Celtic full of Eastern Promise​

After a tumultuous week full of controversy and unwanted headlines, Celtic played Falkirk on a blustery Sunday afternoon - a win essential to regain momentum ahead of the Old Firm clash on the 27th.

Having witnessed arch-rivals Rangers reduce the deficit at the top of the SPL table to a mere point the day before, Gordon Strachan’s men were under no illusions with regards to the significance of the game. Captain Stephen McManus missed out with a knee injury, and Darren O’Dea took his place at the back – Gary Caldwell still preferred in a holding role in midfield. Lee Naylor returned to the side to replace Mark Wilson, but the greatest surprise came in the form of Koki Mizuno, who started his first league game for the Champions.

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MIZUNO – A RARE START FOR THE JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL​

Mizuno has found opportunities extremely hard to come by since his transfer from JEF United, but on this occasion he took the place of Aiden McGeady, whose future at the club looks uncertain to say the least following the much-publicised furore between him and the manager.

Despite so many changes to the starting eleven, Celtic started very brightly – an early shot from Scott McDonald saved in style by Falkirk keeper Robert Olejnik was the greatest threat Celtic provided. Conditions were – at best – blustery, and this had an undoubted effect on the overall quality of football on show.

Nonetheless, John Hughes’ men could have gone 1-0 up after 32 minutes – O’Dea’s crucial goal-line clearance from Lovell’s shot kept the scores level; Celtic caught out, and fortunate to escape unscathed.
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O’DEA – CRUCIAL INTERVENTION​

The Bhoys should have gone into the break in the lead, however – after good work from McDonald, and an incisive ball, Georgios Samaras was gifted a one-on-one opportunity. Seemingly with all the time in the world, his poorly connected effort gave Olejnik an easy save, and the chance was gone. A poor effort from the Greek, who leads Celtic’s scoring charts this season.

No sooner had the second period started, and Strachan’s men were in front. Again, McDonald was the supplier, and this time Samaras made no mistake – Falkirk caught cold, and the damage was done.
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SAMARAS – MADE UP FOR FIRST-HALF MISS BY OPENING THE SCORING​

The introduction of Mark Stewart almost produced an instantaneous result for Hughes – his strike hitting the outside of Boruc’s post, but this proved to be a false dawn. Mizuno – excellent when in possession – scored a delightful second after good work from Shunsuke Nakamura. Mizuno’s finish was calm, and collected, and served to show there is life after McGeady; irrespective of what happens in the Irishman’s future.

McDonald wrapped things up with a fine third – a goal that was well deserved after his continued graft all afternoon, and the game was over. Credit to Falkirk for their continued resilience, but the Champions opened up a four point lead, thus ensuring they will top the table no matter what happens at Ibrox on the 27th.
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MCDONALD – WELL TAKEN 3RD AND FINAL GOAL​

Comfortable in the end, and full of eastern promise in the shape of Koki Mizuno – a player with undoubted potential, and a big future at Celtic Park.

Daver​