Comments on: Celtic 1-Dundee United 1-S.O.S

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:01:27 +0000

Looks like we might not be seeing that many changes after all…http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_190808143740.aspx

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:33:54 +0000

Chris-Yeah, Loovens plays in the middle but I think a combination of last week’s poor play by both Mick and Caldwell and the fans clammering to see the new signing will put the centerbacks on a short leash. Caddis was one of the best players of the preseason and should be given a chance at RB or right wing if Naka can’t play or needs subbed. Robson on the wing just looks lost.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:29:54 +0000

Telbhoy-I think Caddis will start but at back for either Hinkel or LB. I don’t think that Loovens will get the start on Saturday, but another shaky performance in the back might change that next week, or perhaps GS might use *gasp* a sub?! We’ll see Naka-Brown-Robson-Aiden in the middle.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:17:15 +0000

Where is Loovens going to play? He’s a center back, is he not? For him to start, GS would have to remove either Mick or Gary. But I agree Caddis should start ahead of Hinkel. If the pre-season is any indication, then this kid is in good form and boasts loads of talent.

By: Telbhoy

Telbhoy — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:17:12 +0000

Some folks are already pushing the panic button just because we occasionally allowed a very improved Dundee Utd side to successfully penetrate our (weaker) right flank.
Fact is Hinkel was very poor on Sunday & is looking increasingly likely to be benched on Saturday against Falkirk. Loovens will start & I would predict Caddis too, with Hartley or Robson dropping to the bench.
What’s your call on this?

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:20:01 +0000

We’ll have an argument sometime about meaningless friendlies for teams that only get together 6 times a year. The qualifiers are what matter more, though, that’s true – and I’ll be much more harsh toward any player/team that backs out of that, since Scotland has such a great shot at making WC 2010.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:12:27 +0000

Ian, I know Robo was sick before so who knows, I was just speculating, but honestly for a pretty meaningless friendly I am really not surprised if Celtic told them to take care of any bumps and bruises that might not keep them out of a SPL game but can affect their play. It seems like for the important games like qualifiers, Celtic players always answer the call.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:09:40 +0000

Chris, While that is true, even a stubborn Strachan must have saw that he was the catalyst behind the improved play when he was in the middle. Now we are struggling when he is marooned on the wing, surely this is not a coincidence. Strachan’s stubbornness is a strange thing. He’s willing to put guys like Robo, Caldwell, and Caddis in positions other than their natural ones but won’t put them back when things are not working out.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:20:39 +0000

Matt, Strachan’s stubborness inevitably plays a factor. Last season stretch drive MVP, Barry Robson, was inserted in the lineup only after the ineffective Scott Brown sat out due to injury.

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:49:57 +0000

Or perhaps they caught the bug that seems to go around when international duties come calling?