New Bhoys Settling In & Magic’s Vanishing Act

By: JT | February 5th, 2008

Much of the Celtic news on the net for the last two days has centered around the new signings and the positive impact that they’ll have on the club. Considering Andreas Hinkel and Georgios Samaras are the only two of the five new Bhoys who have seen the pitch, that wide generalization might be a just a tad hasty.

The competition for spots should theoretically result in better performances all around, but the quality of the moves Celtic made in January can not be determined by one whipping of Kilmarnock in a Scottish Cup match. Patience is called for.

Right now, the fear that is driving better performances from Celtic’s players who were aboard before January is rooted in the reputations of the players that came in. Once they see the new guys day in and day out, they might just become complacent again thinking they are the superior player anyway, as most athletes will. Or maybe they’re playing better because the Barcelona tie is getting closer. We will see.

The Captain, Stephen McManus, is doing what a leader does when new players accept the challenge of wearing the Hoops. He’ll welcome them into the fold, apprise them of what is expected from each and every Celtic player, and offer his ear for any issues that the fresh recruit is having at Celtic Park.

McManus is most excited about the arrival of former Dundee United skipper Barry Robson, a player who he’s well acquainted with. Mick thinks Robson can add a bit of steel to the Celtic midfield, and having played head-to-head with him a number of times, his opinion clearly has weight.

My initial reaction to the rumors about Robson coming to Parkside was that he would enjoy his time on the bench and collecting a heavier paycheck. But with the up-and-down performances of Scott Brown and Massimo Donati this season, there is room for Robson to slide into the First XI. He can supplant Evander Sno rather quickly, and then he’s in a spot to compete with Brown, Donati, and the versatile Paul Hartley for time in every match. I can envision Robson having an impact quicker than anyone thought.

MLS side Columbus Crew are furious over former Celtic striker Maciej Zurawski’s abrupt decision to transfer to Greek outfit Larissa at the last moment, spurning the chance to move to the American side. Considering the Polish international’s nickname is “Magic”, the headlines can just about write themselves. Sometimes they make it so easy on us.

Celtic central defender Steven Pressley has been named as an assistant coach for Scotland, joining up with old pal George Burley. Pressley feels he can still contribute as a player for Scotland, but he’s well down the pecking order at Celtic Park right now, and he’ll fall further when Bobo Balde returns from the African Cup of Nations. Retirement may be the best option for Elvis, though a move to a smaller club in the summer is a distinct possibility as well.

Scott McDonald is traveling back to Australia for a ~~friendly~~ World Cup Qualifier this week, and is expected to turn right around and be ready for Sunday’s trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen. The new striking depth may not require his immediate return to action, but Skippy has been the Celts’ most consistent performer this season, and his presence is necessary if at all possible.

I’m so glad there are international friendlies this week because I can get a break from the constant information flow that is the last week of January. Then I can sleep thorough the absolute pile of crap that international friendlies in the middle of February are.