Although this was just against first division opponents the performance was very good, with some fast flowing football. McGeady, Samaras and Caddis were excellent when running at the defence and Loovens seemed assured although he was never under any pressure. Brown also looked good when he came on for Donati.
We usually come unstuck in this competition against lower opposition, but that was a strong side that was put out, with a good bench of Maloney, Scott Brown, Venegoor of Hesselink and Caldwell.
I thought both McDonald (he should have scored 3 in the first half) and Donati were poor and were rightly subbed.
It is great that some players have a point to prove and McGeady epitomised this with his best game this season. Let's hope Strachan keeps them hungry.
Samaras was voted man of the match and I wouldn't disagree. He should also have scored a hat trick but I'd forgive him for that because of his overall performance.
Good to see McGeady showing the right attituted. Particularly interesting in light of my pet subject... the media (STV in particular). Last Friday's breathtaking report from Raman went straight from the jugular..."Celtic boss Gordon Strachan denied reports of s dressing-room bust-up with Aiden McGeady after the Ireland international was left on the bench for the last two games... blah blah... player said to be unhappy... blah blah... Strachan insisted... blah blah..."
ReplyDeleteThis was ably backed up with last night's STV sports bulletin "Celtic captain Stephen McManus backed his manager's squad rotation policy even though he admitted players want to play in every game... he admitted any player would be unhappy to be dropped... blah blah... rumours of a dressing room bust-up... blah blah..."
How stupid can Gordon Strachan be not to realise that players want to play in every game.
Except if the player's name is Mark Viduka.
Strachan has clearly failed to grasp just how absolutely devastating it is for a player to be dropped and that this should be avoided at all costs. Especially in the case of Celtic players who are well below form.