So Celtic face probably their biggest game in five years with an interesting dilemma. Do they start the tried and tested likes of Samaras and Commons in the attacking roles, or do they keep faith in 18 year old Tony Watt? I would go for the latter.
Celtic should approach this game without fear. We have a two goal lead, and scoring another goal would leave Helsingborgs in deep trouble, as a result we should play the clubs’ natural finishers, namely Tony Watt and Gary Hooper.
The way two combined at times on Saturday was excellent, reminiscent of the Stokes and Hooper partnership when it was at it’s best. Watt also obviously benefited from Hooper encouraging him and giving him advice during the game.
Even though I feel that Georgios Samaras has a ‘maverick’ quality that is not found in any other member of the Celtic squad, being a natural finisher is not one of them, whereas Watt seems to have that quality in abundance.
If we look at Watt’s first goal on Saturday, it was almost identical to Samaras’ chance in Helsingborgs last week. The difference is, Watt took his chance with aplomb, whilst Samaras, as he often does when he has too much time, fired his shot wide of the post.
His second goal was a finish of sheer instinct, the fact he kept up with play and was hungry for the ball showed an aspect that some players at Celtic don’t seem to have. He doesn’t seem interested in scoring the perfect goal, any goal will do, and that’s always a good sign.
I’m not saying that Tony Watt is THE FUTURE of Celtic, and many young players have crashed and burned at Celtic after promising starts, but Watt seems to have a chance of a good career ahead of him. Neil Lennon knows that he will have to keep his feet on the ground, but I feel to get the job done early on Wednesday and avoid yet another tense night in Europe Watt has to start.
Watt has a future but is it the here and now? Is it Big Game Night @ CP?
I hate to say no but he will have a vital part to play this season and at some time tomorrow night.
Samaras is undroppable in Europe and it’s a stick on that Lenny will start with him and Hooper.
Midfield is a worry but I suspect Broonie will make it and Matthews will play on the right with Forrest on the left.
Bring it on.
I hear their coach has been less than complimentary about us? Heh…..todays headlines are tomorrows chip wrappers mate….
We do not need to win the game on Wednesday and an early goal makes no difference. The Sweeds would still only need three.
All we need to do is sit tight and be solid.
The prize is more important than the performance.
Tony Watt will get more games if we get through as, similarly to Saturday, players will be rested on the lead up to the CL games.
This will allow the young guy the chance to develop in the SPL, gain confidence, and then step up.
This applies to other youth players as well. This could be the year that a lot of these guys are given the chance to see if they can really cut it at the top of the Scotish game. Some may really sparkle and get the opportunity to go into the CL especially as you don’t know how injuries will go.
The fact that Bangura has gone on loan either indicates that another forward is coming in or that the manager rates a few of the young guys.
Anyway roll on Wednesday and here’s to us.
Sit tight and be solid?.. This is Celtic we’re talking about.. Whether it be sammy Hooper or Watt its an early goal we need and i don’t give a hoot who gets it.
Get intae thum!
Nice to hear from you!
Cheers me lord.. stick your easy earned cash on 2-1 tonight.