Well that was more like it.
That was much more like it.
It finished 5-0 but it could have been more.
After Wednesday’s really turgid, uninspiring, display I was so fed up I couldn’t even be motivated to write a review of the game. But today was everything we didn’t see in midweek, and if we play like this on Wednesday coming (and we’re capable of it) we will go through with room to spare.
Because that was fantastic. That was exceptional.
Callum scored a hat-trick and dominated from start to finish. He also hit the post. The kid was everywhere, and looked a class apart. I thought he was really coming on to a game towards the end of last season, and this was proof that his development under Brendan has been meteoric. I saw a lot of stat-crunching earlier this month regarding Stuart Armstrong and what he brings to the team, in terms of goals and assists, and some have wondered where those will come from if he departs. I do not want him to, but the answer is surely obvious … Callum McGregor can deliver all that, in spades, and he’s proved it already.
Hayes got one and Armstrong himself got the fifth, and not only were there great displays from the likes of young Ralston, Calvin Miller and Eboue, but there was even a cameo for Nadir Ciftci who I had completely forgotten was still on the books.
This was a friendly, and so no-one’s getting carried away, but that was the Celtic of last season, seen for the first time as we prepare for the next domestic campaign. And it was night and day from where we were in midweek.
We are now going into that game on a high.
Brilliant.
In the stands, the fans were amazing, singing all day long.
They were treated to a real exhibition and they gave great backing … and there was even a trophy presentation! We won’t be putting it on the history – we’re not desperados like another team I could mention – but it’s always nice to get silverware, of any kind.
It keeps momentum going.
Good afternoon’s work from all concerned … watch out for Callum starting on Wednesday.
He earned it on the basis of that today.