Celtic go into important CL Match on winning streak

By: Matt | November 24th, 2008

Celtic extended their SPL winning streak to 11 matches without dropping points against St. Mirren, as they were victorious 3-1 in their last visit to Love Street. Celtic got goals from the healthy Georgios Samaras, Shunsuke Nakamura, and Cillian Sheridan, all three coming in the second half of the match. The talking point of the match is sure to be the near red card miss for Artur Boruc after a late tackle on St Mirren’s Craig Dargo in the first half. Many in the Scottish media felt that the late tackle deserved a red, but it seems like the tackle was not malicious and Boruc was not “the last man back”. No matter what many blowhards opinions are, Boruc stayed in after only receiving a yellow.

Celtic now travel to Denmark on Tuesday to take on Aalborg in the likely decider Champions League match of the campaign. This game will most likely decide who gets the parachute Uefa Cup spot as both teams sit on two points in the standings.

As Celtic travel to Denmark, the injuries woes that plagued Celtic during this unlikely eleven game unbeaten run continue to be resolved. Aiden McGeady has recovered from his calf and knee problems and will be traveling with the club. He will be put through a fitness test Monday night and a determination will be made about his availability for Tuesday’s match. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who is recovering from Jan Vennegooring his Hesselink (aka a groin pull) has also been included in the squad for Tuesday. Paul Hartley has also recovered from his injury sustained during his Scottish National Team duty and should be in the squad as well.

Usually, when Celtic is away in the Champions League, Gordon Strachan likes to play a 4-5-1 and counter attack, a strategy that has done bully for us so far. Now that Celtic face a must win situation away from home, one would hope that Strachan opens up play a little. With Celtic becoming healthy, the team has more attacking options to choose from, rather than “DOWN FIELD!” clearances. The team is in good form and NEEDS TO WIN. Let them attack, Ginger man, let them attack!

TAL