Ins & Outs From an Efficient January

By: JT | February 1st, 2008

There’s tons of info to round up today, so lets get right to it.

The transfer period was a productive one for Celtic, of that there can be no doubt. Sure, a proven central defender would have been great, but right-back, striker, and midfield depth were all addressed. Signings were made for the present as well as the future, although the brass were unable to unload some of the dead weight on the roster like Maciej Zurawski (UPDATE: Magic did move, after all) and Thomas Gravesen.

Derek Riordan will still be around, so maybe he’ll get his shot, although the arrival of Barry Robson is an obvious impediment.

Let’s take a brief look at the comings and goings at Celtic Park this January, starting with the arrivals:

Andreas Hinkel–defender (Sevilla)–Unfortunately Hinkel picked up a thigh strain and has only played a match and change, but he looks like he can be a force. He won’t be risked this weekend at Kilmarnock, but he’ll return soon enough.

Georgios Samaras–striker (Man City/loan)–The Greek international will be challenging Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who has been recalled to the Dutch squad, for a spot up front immediately.

Barry Robson–midfielder (Dundee Utd)–Robson will add depth to the midfield, but isn’t expected to play a starring role. I’d expect to see him get the occasional start and he’ll also garner frequent substitute appearances in the league. He’s unlikely to feature in Europe this season.

Koki Mizuno–midfielder (JEF Utd)–The tricky winger has tons of potential, and will look to make an impact on the first team as the season moves along. His chances will come, but more likely that’ll happen next year.

Ben Hutchinson–striker (Middlesbrough)–A young, powerful forward who may get a shot in the Scottish Cup matches, but won’t feature in the league or Europe until next season.

DEPARTURES

Jiri Jarosik–midfielder (Samara)–Jarosik has made some significant contributions to the club both domestically and in Europe. Although he whined a lot, he was always a good professional on the pitch.

Teddy Bjarnason–midfielder (Lyn Oslo)–The one truly painful loss. Its a shame that he felt he needed to move on to improve, because many supporters had high hopes for his first team future.

Craig Reid–defender (Queen of the South)–A wise move on Reid’s part because he was unlikely to be a first team player at Celtic.

Jim O’Brien–midfielder/striker (Dundee Utd/loan)–The makeweight in the Robson deal, O’Brien has an opportunity to get on the pitch and get some more experience before he tries to crack the first team next season.

Scott Fox–keeper (Ayr Utd/loan)–Well down the pecking order at Celtic Park at the moment, but some match time will serve him nicely.

OTHER NEWS

Former Celtic captain Neil Lennon has moved on from English League One outfit Nottingham Forest to League Two’s Wyncombe Wanderers where he’ll link up with his old pal Paul Lambert. Best of luck to the ginger one as he sets himself up for a future in management.

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol may miss the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 clash with the Bhoys on 20 February with a thigh tear.

NEXT FIXTURE

Celtic travel to Kilmarnock tomorrow in a fifth-round Scottish Cup tie. Killie have been a real pain in Celtic’s butt this season so far. The Hoops have drawn with them 0-0 at home, beat them 2-1 at Rugby Park, and scraped by 1-0 on an own goal in January.

Its unlikely that Andreas Hinkel will feature although he’s edging closer to full fitness. Barry Robson is cup-tied, and Koki Mizuno isn’t ready yet, making Georgios Samaras the only new Bhoy likely to feature. He’ll probably get a late run out.

The look of the First XI should be familiar:

Boruc
Hartley–Caldwell–McManus–Naylor
Naka–SBrown–Donati–McGeady
JVoH–McDonald

The weather will probably be wretched, and Killie always play defensively against Celtic, even at their place.

With the arrival of Samaras and his call up for Holland, I expect Big Jan’ll be ready to rock and roll. A brace from the Dutchman carries Celtic to a 2-0 victory.