It was the best of friendlies, it was the worst of friendlies

By: Matt | August 3rd, 2008

Celtic get back on the winning track today after a 3-1 defeat of Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Celtic got off to a flying start in the first half scoring three unanswered goals before the forty five minutes were up. Gordon Strachan continued to play mad scientist in the pre-season as he ran out a 4-3-3 of sorts with Aiden McGeady heading up front to join the attack at times against Feyenoord. Whatever he did, it worked in the first half. Georgios Samaras started the scoring for Celtic in the 13th minute after Paul Hartley found him with a nice diagonal pass and the big Greek slotted in home to the low left side. Celtic waited just three minutes to add to their goal account when Lee Naylor played a good cross that found Jan Vennegoor of Hesselinkand his big head and the big Dutchman put the goal away. Vennegoor of Hesselink has been winning a lot more balls in the air and I can recall this being at least his second headed goal of the offseason. In the past, the big Dutchman was not always to most graceful in the air, but these aerial goals are certainly a positive development.

Named the captain for the injuried Stephen McManus, Big Jan got his second goal of the evening in the 40th minute when he slotted the ball into the lower left corner. The highlight of the goal was Aiden McGeady gliding past three defenders and plays a perfect dink pass to Vennegoor of Hesselink. While Celtic may have had their struggles this off-season, both McGeady and Vennegoor of Hesselink have been bright spots so far. The 20 goal scorer and last year’s player of the year have both shined in the pre-season and if can keep to form will be crucial for Celtic this year.

The second half was not as glamorous for Celtic, as it saw their Dutch hosts Feyenoord draw a goal back in the 57th minute when Leroy Fer bent a nice finish past the outstretched Marc Brown. Despite receiving his fair share of criticism, Brown made some spectacular saves after the goal to keep Celtic out front. On a few occasions, Darren O’Dea got beat by his man and forced Brown to make a save. O’Dea has recently lamented his lack of playing time, however if these are the type of performances he is going to put out, he might want to save a seat next to Derek Riordan on the bench.

Overall, it was a good confidence booster for Celtic dominating one of the better team of the Netherlands. With St.Mirren and flag day a week away and a recent string of poor performances, there is a lot for Celtic to put their hat on with this game. Lots of positive attack and the usual bend but not break defensive performance will be uplifting for the Bhoys. Celtic have one more pre-season friendly against a Sven-less Man City next week at Celtic Park and then it is time to put on the big bhoy pants and starts the season.