SENTINELCELTS

He used to be ‘the fat man’ but that’s not politically correct anymore. I almost went with large, but that’s more than likely non PC these days, so yer man it is, in all his vocal greatness.

Under the lights, 8pm locally which leaves enough time for the Dutch Courage, the special banners, the extra whole hearted Walk-On ended by that roar and another upon the breaking of the Huddle,,,there’s not many, if any, finer places to be than Celtic Park on those hallowed Champions League nights.

Especially when it’s a winnable game. It feels strange typing that, I usually fear each and every opponent but things have literally changed.
The one-off tie, now that suits Celtic in Europe. The two in three chance of progression as opposed to the old format, music to my ears. Eight different opponents with European football guaranteed after Christmas, bring it on because that’s when this team comes alive remember. Of course, making those post-Christmas games meaningful is the trick, and that slow march begins tonight on own hallowed turf against Slovakian opponents.

Off the top of my head they will be technically good, fast and athletic, and hungry for anything,,,player, ball, point(s). The non native ref will be busy as they will claim everything and anything, plus foul proficiently. Let’s hope he’s strong.

Celtic will be strong tonight, because it’s what we do nowadays. We are a big game team with many big game players, and a squad others in Scotland can only dream about. We are a good team, one with heart and endeavor, a team with proper spirit alongside a great sprinkling of talent. After 3 transfer windows post return, Brendan has a full complement (16 these days) worthy of donning the Hoops. We have a style of play, we routinely score (quite a lot) while conceding very few, we carry momentum and once again possess a sense of unity. There’s not much to complain about after the summer splurge and the team storming out of the blocks, and there’s plenty to look forward to now that we are refreshing the first team.

We shall face much sterner tests, but I suggest this is the ideal opener, and an occasion for players to make an impact,,,Engels, Kyogo, Kuhn, Maeda, AJ, and also maybe Bernardo who has seen his fair share of starts in Europe. It’s also the ideal team because it’s actually a bit of continuity, smaller club visits Parkhead and will more than likely attempt to defend and con the ref.
Erm,,,we face this week in, week out. Only a fool would have an older team go on the attack tonight, their manager will set them up to frustrate and take advantage of a set piece, play for a point so their dream continues. Many try that, nearly all fail. Our passing, workrate,and movement wins out on the day, with an average of just under 3 goals per game.

So tonight is a night for Celtic to play ‘their’ game, we aren’t a dirty team at all, and five subs takes care of any falling for the bait. We don’t wanna get pulled into anyone else’s type of game, it’s our turf and I for one am curious to see how this new Brodge-ball copes against a new name that may or may not shrink under ‘the roar’ especially if one down and/or getting outplayed.

I want us to be tested but I don’t want unexpected drama, rather I’d prefer three quick counter attacking thrusts result in goals to tell me the system is working outwith Scotland and USA, plus I’d love a team made goal for all around justification of the belief these are special times with a special team under a special manager.

All I can say is, I wish I was there.
It’s not just yer man’s singing,
It’s witnessing the beginning of a new era.
A Brendan Rodgers styled Celtic team in Europe once again allied with this (I tip my hat UEFA) new format.
Paradise will rock once again, and may the back of their net do the same.

We need to pass this test, to prove we are worthy (and getting ready) for the bigger tests to come.
Let’s do this Celtic!
Up The Hoops!

By Mahe sentinelcelts@gmail.com