SENTINELCELTS

Thursdays performance and attitude must be the new normal and not become a surprise, it really is that simple.
The first line of yesterday’s article rightly claimed ‘I didn’t see that coming’ however we must turn that around now, so much that a poor performance garners the same statement.
That’s the standard we must set to even hope of retaining our title, and it must start on Sunday.

Derek would love nothing more than to play the spoiler for Lenny again, only this time there’s more at stake. Not only is there a chance to create never before seen history in lifting another cup, but there’s a real chance going out at McInnes hands after failing to best him last time would lead to an unbearing crescendo for change which would see Neil jobless. Again, Derek would love to be the architect of that dismissal, would be feted for it, relish it, and dine out on it for years. Might even buy him friends in the media or perhaps the Scotland job.

As for myself as much as it hurts me to say it I would have to agree to managerial change if we fail on Sunday. As much as it pains me I believe I would call for any Celtic manager’s head that cant just beat Aberdeen, for that would essentially confirm our manager is not one of the top two in the land, something totally unacceptable for our club which clearly has the better players and squad.
It’s not a decision reached lightly on my part, and giving the gaffer a game to save his career may seem very very harsh, but as the old saying goes ‘sometimes you must be cruel to be kind’ and I would see departure as a necessary evil but ultimately for the best.

The bhoys can and should take a lot of heart from our Lille performance but if its not repeated there was no point at all, and we just cant have a Jekyll and Hyde season when we face a very consistent rival with the tactics to beat us.
Stability and increased belief in ourselves on the field of play may not be enough, but its what we are aiming for and praying it works. It has in the past, but we have a genuine strong opponent now who cannot be expected to drop points it pains to say.

However I’m increasingly feeling that a corner has been turned within the footballing department. That’s two games in a row now I felt we displayed better attitude and application, looked hungrier and more up for it than usual. Those two games have earned two draws, but only because of the sieve at the back, they actually should have been wins and would have been with a decent defence and keeper.
That’s progress of sorts.

It’s hard to say how the players would view the cup itself now, seeing as cup finals are all about celebrating in front of the fans who have sung their hearts out with pride etc. That’s the one day it really will hit home how much the support are missed.
But the professional in them should want silverware in the cabinet upon retiring, the more the merrier, and the backroom staff must know this cup represents an opportunity to introduce some much needed feel good factor into not only the camp but also to the nervous fanbase.
Winning a cup can hardly hurt morale, fans or players, so with that in mind Neil should grab the opportunity with both hands. (Failing that Derek’s neck please as you’re out of a job with nothing to lose and the fans would at least love you for throttling him)

Players wise the rear 5 aka The Sieve will once again see changes after Kris going down with a hammy, no matter what he says he should not be risked for weeks as a precaution, plus we have Nir and El Hamed back thankfully. With John Kennedy clearly not being able to coach the gang to improve, we must pick the players that play best together rather than who was intended to play there on paper.

Bain should keep his place, I was delighted he was coming off his line to collect despite the almost goal blip, plus he is incentivised now to produce his best or back to the bench, I can only hope and pray that all our footballers have that attitude.
Tam was seen as a luxury to far for the French mob but those legs are rested to torment Sheep as he loves doing and Eddy should start up top but with who is the big question.
Its tempting to begin the Eddy-Ajeti partnership, but Griff will be in his own backyard and after scoring a beauty up at Pittodrie may just have played himself into a starting berth with Ajeti rested. The Swiss striker has not played much at all, three games in a week might be silly, plus Griff and Odsonne know each other well. I would have no qualms starting them together.
Broony, Calmac, Olly are the three with the jerseys, the latter very luckily imo but a big semi final would help convince me he is an essential cog in the machine.
With the Dons likely to test the defense as much as possible its vital they are well shielded and the midfield trio better remember that. Broony should not get ahead of the ball.

Probable team 4-4-1-1

Bain
Laxalt
Duffy
Biton
Frimpong
Rogic
Calmac
Broony
Ncham
Odsonne
Griff

4 – 1 The Bhoys rise to the occasion, slap McInnes, and book their date with history, again.

COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN !!!