Such is the tedium of Scottish football we find ourselves facing the might of the highlands for a second time only 6 weeks into the new season. Information Communications Teuchter’s are tonights opponents in the League Cup. Yeah thats right, the League Cup as I have no idea what monicker it’s going by these days.
Seeing as who we are playing que the now thoroughly tiresome SuperCallyblahblahblah headline being trotted out everywhere and interviews with some clown who now runs a sheep sheering business up north. “It wis the greatest fitballing night of my life min”
Gies a break, let’s hope we take this shower apart and the headline I’ll be writing tomorrow is SuperStokesyScoresAHat-trickButcherIsABoaking. Ok it doesn’t have the same ring to it but it’s far more poetic to my ears.
The problem I have with the League Cup is somewhere down the line it has become completely diluted in the minds of many. The view some take that this competition doesn’t matter reeks of an excuse before a slagging in the case of Celtic & rangers fans. If we really don’t care about competing in it then let’s just field an entire team from the development squad similar to how Arsenal approach the english equivalent. If the young bhoys can progress then all the better, let them go all the way on to win it. I think this tact could bring some interest back to the fans, give the B team some decent exposure and help revive a competition that has become a nuisance so early in the season.
This would be my normal take on things, but, this season I see it somewhat differently.
With an entire new team still finding it’s feet and players getting to know one another I would go all out with the strongest side possible. The eleven hoops that took to the field for the second half against Kilmarnock on Sunday would be the side I’d start with tonight. This team is still growing and this is another opportunity for game time together, to get the wheels greased once more before the first match against rangers next month. I would possibly make an exception by bringing in players who are arguably first eleven performers. Namely Hooper, apart from that I’d leave things as is. If there are other players that might need a run out then stick them on the bench. McGinn will probably either start or feature on the bench as he returns from injury but the likes of Crosas, Mulgrew, Wilson etc. If they are not in the managers long term plans then why bother?
Another player that has just sprung to mind that might be worth starting tonight is Rogne instead of Loovens, I’d play Zaluska at centre-back at this stage instead of Glenda. Rogne who has the same DNA as the Derry Pele looks like he could be the main man in there beside big Danny this season. IF he can stay fit.
This is a unique season I feel and the lift I think this team could get from going on to win the first piece of silverware up for grabs could be invaluable. Wim Jansen lifted the trophy at his one and only attempt in defeating Dundee United at Ipox in what was to be a memorable campaign in stopping the **. This season is just as important for Neil Lennon and the club for different reasons but no less crucial.
Everybody enjoys a day out at Hampden no matter the occasion. Winning the League Cup will lay down a marker of intent from Lenny’s hoops, would further enamor the players with the support and be the first piece in the treble puzzle. I want Lennon to win the treble, I’m sure he wants it, I’m sure the players want it and I’m sure you want it.
No half measures Celtic. Let’s ‘Roll With It’ once again, for the League Cup is where we took the Oasis anthem for our own. This time around we should pick something from the Lennon back catalogue, how about Revolution…
Harper
I’m sure it was first adopted when we played PSG in Paris. They played it at half time.
Possibly but not many would have known that, it was certainly cemented on mass at Ipox, I remember it well, big Dukeo Dykes nearly broke my leg when he fell of his seat and jammed my leg down the back of ma seat.
I’m in it to win it. Off to the game. In area 143. I’m the one in green.
Winning anything is magic. as I told my English cousin yesterday I dont care if its Aberdeen or Arsenal, Barcelona or Brechin, when the Celts score i get a massive buzz, I cant stop smiln!! Dont care if its pouring away to falkirk and were 4 nil up, I just love it, it means we achieved what the other team didnt want us to do…hail, hail Big P, Belfast
We are feckin in it to win it. Great performance, good football and a great win with fringe players getting a run out.
I’m off before people accuse me of not being a moaning cunt.