SENTINELCELTS

I’m still finding it hard to wrap my head around this winter world cup and the subsequent knock on effects on the SPL.
Just when we would usually be wrapping the first half of the season up, we are actually returning to duty after a much earlier than usual break.
 
I say break, but as we know some were involved in very high stakes International football and didn’t rest a lot. The bulk of the squad got some sunshine, always good for the soul, and an experience of that fantastic Australia based Celtic support, again good for the soul.
But I’m sure there was plenty of training ground work with the bulk of the squad, and that’s always a good thing.
Ill assume I’m correct in surmising Ange would have appreciated some quality time with his charges to hone team shape and tactics while Harry assists attackers find the target more consistently, his primary task.
 
What should we expect upon resumption?
For starters snow and very cold temperatures. Today (Saturday) shall see Aberdeen stay slightly over freezing, after two days of snow. I wouldn’t be surprised if game is canceled due to the elements if truth be told.
 
We shall encounter the proverbial potato patch of a pitch over the next few months, of that I’m sure, ergo some ‘sorry ref I slipped’ challenges, which the MIB shall happily overlook.
I think we would all agree in harsh conditions adverse to silky football the three points are the most important thing, but injuries are also very important.
 
Which brings me to the return of the Mac, our Captain. The very last thing he needs is another injury, that’s my fear, but he will be thrust right back into the middle of the park and after months out might find the urge to go full throttle irresistible.
I’m not asking for him to be eased back in from the bench, he’s one of our better players no doubt and we should start our better players, but maybe just maybe sub him occasionally if the points are in the bag. Especially at the beginning of his reintroduction.
I have a niggling feeling he might get targeted at Ibrox, their new manager will be well aware of and surely play to the refs allegiances ahem, and crocking him would probably bring applause over there. Then again ‘knowing’ Calmac he will probably fancy a goal in that stadium to silence the crowd and lay down a marker that he’s fully back and ready to go.
Realistically we don’t need him and will win this league with or without him, but he’s missed out on some fun and I expect him to personally lead the charge in retaining our title.
 

However he needs the correct system to lead the charge, he shouldn’t if he’s tasked with playing as the deep lying midfielder. I noted Bobby’s article during the week praising Aaron Mooy, and thought to myself if everyone noticed he was excellent at the World Cup then Ange noticed also. At the risk of repeating myself our goals scored ratio improved with him starting. I think he’s a quality player, deserving of being given an automatic start until proven otherwise. He just strongly stated his case, and as such I would be gutted if we return to the Calmac, Hatate, O’Riley trio in the middle. Playing Mooy deep could unleash a roaring to go McGregor which is a win-win where I’m sitting. Do I expect this to happen? Due to his showings for Australia recently it would be foolish not to start Mooy so yes.
The second half of the season holding a substantial lead is the perfect time to tinker.
 
My expectation is more goals scored in this second half and not only due to the above midfield switch. For starters the handbrake should be released, nine point lead in the bag and should we triumph at Ibrox meaning double digits, there’s no reason not to ‘Unleash The Kraken’ so to speak.
 
Then take into account the individual players involved themselves, their personal situation.
Hacksabanovic walked in the door late on and started playing, this is his first break and sustained training session with his new management team. That chap is a real quality player with his prime years ahead of him. We suit him via exposure and he suits us via goals and assists, at the moment. Will he want to use the club as a springboard? Almost certainly, and the best way to advertise yourself is performing in the shop window.
On that front he’s up against a somewhat resurgent Maeda, so Sead really needs to produce in order to stay in the team and advertise his wares. Win win scenario.
 
On the other flank Jota shall wish to become part of a revamped Portugal side for the Euros in 18 months time primarily by performing extremely well in both the SPL plus next season’s Champions League campaign, win win, will be pushed by Abada (who has enough raw ingredients to tempt clubs from a bigger league but must show more consistency to earn a move, who will be pushed by James Forrest who seems to have embraced that high impact cameo role well, so well Liel must do something when given the chance.
Win-win? I’d say so, it screams ‘Goals’ to me.
 
I see goals up top as well. For starters if G-Mak is still here after the window shuts then I think it’s fair to say he will be moving in the summer. Hasn’t signed a long term contract, agent unhappy there’s been no significant pay rise offered, he shall be leaving, of that there is little doubt. If he is still here for the second half looking for a move to a bigger league then he needs to score, score, and score in order to convince buyers.
 
Now if he does move we shall have a brand new striker on our hands, and Ange says he will upgrade upon departures, which tells me we ain’t signing Henri Camara mark two here.
Someone fresh will walk in that door, and given our upgrade promise plus our Champions League exposure I think it’s fair to say new Bhoy will want to be out on that park from the beginning. Actions speak louder than words and strikers speak best when they score.
 
However,,,our Japanese talisman is not for giving up his star striker spot. If it were anyone else I would be up in arms about G-Mak not starting every game but I can fully appreciate what exactly Furuhashi brings to the team and therefore understand his selection whenever it occurs.
But he’s the man under pressure, he must produce the goods more often than his competitors, which might just be a new striker. An upgrade on G-Mak.
Throw in a lost place in the World Cup squad, desires for next seasons European campaign, the sunny break, and lots of practice with Harry over the last month and I’m thinking goals, lots of them.
Competition and no handbrake should bring out the best in Kyogo.
 
Up top should be a battle for goals per starting slot with two quality strikers going head to head for the privilege of beginning proceedings, I’m thinking that’s a win win.
 
The team should be aiming to score more as there’s obviously going to be transition at the back. That needn’t be a negative though, we have a decent selection no matter what, plus it’s best to ease new players in before the European campaigns begin.
 
Big Joe has six months to convince Ange he is worthy of becoming our number one again next year, hopefully sort of a win win scenario. Meanwhile new right back and left centre back fight in the background to get immediately introduced. I suspect one shall get immediately injected into the team (Johnson) while the other is slowly introduced which makes sense.
 
Last year we really kicked into gear post Christmas and went on to become unstoppable. I fully expect the same again.
 
By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com