TalkCeltic - The Ultimate Celtic FC Forum

Celtic travel to bottom placed Falkirk this afternoon looking to put the grueling disappointment of Hamburg behind them, and go five points clear of their arch-rivals Rangers at the summit of the SPL table.

Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney are the only major casualties for Celtic, neither of whom featured in Germany. Brown’s ankle and Maloney’s heel sees the emergence of two up-and-coming stars, looking to take advantage of the absence of two names typically first to be inked on Tony Mowbray’s team-sheet.

These are just three versions of last night’s events that this writer has heard this morning. While victory for Celtic last night would have breathed life into a European campaign that has faltered since the start, the truth remains that a draw in Germany, against a quality outfit, was a move in the right direction.

Although Hamburg’s quality was clear for all to see, there is little doubt that Tony Mowbray’s men will be kicking themselves today. Strikers Scott McDonald and Georgios Samaras had three one-on-one chances that were missed, while Barry Robson blazed over when it seemed easier...

Tonight, Celtic have the opportunity to relight the flame of hope surrounding this season's participation on the European stage.

A miserly return of one point from nine thus far sees the Bhoys at the bottom of their respective table. Only three positive results from their last three games can provide Tony Mowbray's charges with progression, and while some "esteemed" journalists - most notably Peter Martin of the Evening Times - have already written off Celtic ahead of the game, there are, thankfully, some of us who maintain an iota of common sense.

The Bhoys travel to Germany without crocked midfielders Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney, while Glenn Loovens is the latest...

Under manager Tony Mowbray, midfield ace Marc Crosas has found first team opportunities hard to come by. Mowbray has persisted for the most part with a combination of Landry N’Guemo and Scott Brown in the engine room of midfield, but with Brown being rested as a result of persistent injury, Crosas – last season’s young player of the year with the Bhoys – has finally got his chance under the new regime.

The Spanish Under-21 International is renowned as a gifted passer of the ball, with genuine pedigree. Although he won the award for the SPL’s Goal of the Season in 2008/09, Crosas’s strengths lie...

Celtic reinforced their lead at the top of the SPL table on Saturday, thanks to a convincing 3-0 win against Jim Jefferies’ Kilmarnock side.

It had been fully 55 years since Killie had defeated Celtic on their own turf, and on this display, it was clear to see why. The Bhoys dominated proceedings – although striker Kevin Kyle provided an occasional aerial threat – and the eventual scoreline was an accurate representation of proceedings.

Paddy McCourt replaced the injured Shaun Maloney, Glenn Loovens the suspended Stephen McManus, while Lucasz Zaluska continued in goals in the absence of first choice Artur Boruc.

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