BHOY OH BHOY!!

[Daver]

LEAGUE LEADERS.

On Saturday afternoon, Celtic put the disappointment of their latest European adventure firmly behind them with a comprehensive victory over SPL new boys Hamilton. Although a home victory was expected, the manner of the win itself will have put to rest many qualms concerning their league aspirations this season.

Manager Gordon Strachan persisted with Shunsuke Nakamura on the right hand side of midfield, despite a distinctly average performance against the Yellow Submarines of Villarreal - a decision that was to pay off as early as the 25th minute as he swept home the opening goal before setting up top goalscorer Georgios Samaras for a second before half time; this further continuing the Greek International’s rich vein of form since his permanent arrival at the Club during the summer transfer window.

In the second half, Australian International Scott Mcdonald made it two in two games – his celebration clearly designed to make a mockery of any adverse tabloid references regarding his weight - before eventual man of the match Aiden Mcgeady completed a fine afternoon with a composed finish after fine work from substitute Shaun Maloney.

Nonetheless, the Accies had a late chance; Gary Caldwell adjudged to have tripped young prodigy James McCarthy, but on an otherwise quiet afternoon from a defensive standpoint goalkeeper Artur Boruc confirmed why he is rightly renowned as one of the best in Europe with a fine save.

With three points in the bag, the pressure was on arch-rivals Rangers the following day. Playing away – for the very final time – against out of form St Mirren at their Love Street ground. Despite monopolising the vast majority of play in both halves, Rangers created very few goal scoring opportunities, and they were to pay the ultimate price; Celtic fan Stephen McGinn’s sensational strike late on in the second period proving crucial and consigning Walter Smith’s men to a first league defeat of the season, whilst ensuring Celtic finished the weekend at the top of the SPL table. Recent acquisitions Steven Davis and Pedro Mandes in particular struggled to make their usual level of impact on the game as the Buddies flooded the midfield with five men; a tactic that is sure to be utilised against Rangers in many league games to come.

Sadly, some gloss was taken off Celtic's weekend’s adventures with confirmation that striker Jan Venegoor of Hesselink is out for some weeks resulting from a problem with his adbuctor muscle; his early substitution on Saturday afternoon provided a concern to all who watched, and Celtic shall be hoping that the upcoming International break will provide an opportunity for recuperation, while the red-hot form of Samaras continues until the Dutchman's return to first team affairs.