Where the Bhoys Been: Finally Its Over

By: JT | November 23rd, 2007

It seems like months since we’ve seen Celtic take the pitch. The constant disruptions to Celtic’s season for Euro 2008 qualification are over, and an intense spell of twelve matches in seven weeks is set to begin when a rested Aberdeen visit Celtic Park on Saturday.

With the huge match at home against Shakhtar Donestsk only a few days away, we’ll know soon if the Bhoys can replicate last year’s feat of advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

In the league, table-topping Celtic will face off against all three teams tied for second place, three points off the pace. Hibernian at home and Dundee United on the road bookend Christmas Day, while the titanic match against Rangers looms right after New Years.

The next few weeks are pivotal to the campaign, but for the moment, let’s take a look back at how our internationals performed on their travels.

The marquee match of the Euro qualifiers was of course Scotland hosting Italy. Unfortunately for the Scots, their hopes were dashed by a late, late Italian goal. Stephen McManus was MIA on the Italians first goal a few minutes into the contest, but acquitted himself quite well the rest of the way until the goal that broke Scottish hearts. He wasn’t solely to blame, but top-notch central defenders need to find a way, any way, to clear crosses from danger in those kind of circumstances.

Other Celts to feature in this highest profile of contests were midfield duo Paul Hartley (left) and Scott Brown. Both had strong matches against world-class opponents, with Brown being substituted for the requisite second striker with fifteen minutes to go.

Opportunities to play at this level of intensity with the focus of all of Europe on the match is great experience for Celtic’s players, especially youngsters like Brown and McManus who will be forming Celtic and Scotland’s spine for years to come.

Aiden McGeady carried his scintillating Celtic form to the international arena in Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Wales in a nearly empty Millennium Stadium. The speedy winger took full advantage of playing against a 19-year old debutant, wreaking havoc on the Welsh defense.

The Republic’s entire set-up is about to change when a new manager is named, and unless the new chief is as foolish as his predecessor, McGeady will be a cornerstone of the Republic’s attempt to return to prominence. Ireland has too much talent to be ranked 35th in the world for any length of time.

Artur Boruc and Maciej Zurawski helped Poland qualify for the European Championships for the very first time with a win over Belgium last weekend. The Poles then picked up a 2-2 draw in Serbia, clinching top spot and sending the Serbs crashing out of the competition. Poland’s team sheet against Serbia was missing many of its top players including Boruc and Zurawski, who both received well earned rests. Portugal had the chance to win the group outright, but failed to beat Finland and qualified in second place.

Both Australia and Nigeria fielded decidedly understrength squads when they met up in London for a friendly. Celtic’s Scott McDonald got the nod up front, and had several good chances thwarted as the Socceroos held on for a 1-0 victory.

I’m glad that this stuff is done, and all the Celts who played for their countries have returned healthy. Its time to get mentally prepared for the next few weeks, when we’re sure to see some exciting football from the Bhoys.

A spot in the Champions League knockout rounds beckons, as does the opportunity to extend the lead domestically. Finally, we can concentrate on what really matters.