Celtic v. Hamilton Preview: The Three Most Hated Men in Scotland

By: Matt | April 3rd, 2009

While Barry Ferguson and Alan McGregor are giving them a run for their money, it is probably safe to say the three most hated men in Scotland will be convening in Celtic Park Saturday for a bit of footy. Artur Boruc easily ranks first on the most hated list, with Aiden McGeady a distant second, and latecomer to the list James McCarthy rounding out the top three. Is there a similar characteristic about the three? Ah well, another discussion for another time. Boruc dominated the international week headlines with the two howlers he allowed, though as Seattle Bhoy mentioned in the comments of a previous post, perhaps the second goal could be attributed to the geological field known as the Windsor Park pitch. Regardless, it seemed that Boruc would have the share of negative press heading back into the SPL campaign. Thankfully, Bawwy and McShagger were able to take all of that negative press and focus it on themselves with their post-game pint or twelve. Awfully nice of you boys.

After his international disaster, it might have been best for Artur Boruc to return back to Glasgow and refocus instead of facing the Polish Press firing squad. With another big story breaking, hopefully Boruc focused on regaining his form. Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland internationals Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy will feel like they are playing in front of their families after the abuse they usually face from Scottish crowds. McGeady returns home from Italy to the friendly confines of Celtic Park and Hamilton’s James McCarthy might become disoriented at Parkhead when he does not hear the whistles, boos, jeers, and racist remarks from the fans that have surely become second nature. Scottish football fans should enjoy the young and talented McCarthy while they can, as this is surely the last season James will be spending in Scotland. Next year, he will surely be several million pounds richer and playing down south or even on the continent.

All of the other Scottish Internationals who learned to just say no for Celtic should be ready to go on Saturday. Stephen McManus, Gary Caldwell, Scott Brown, and Paul Hartley are all up for choice in the squad. Glen Loovens is also healthy again, along with Paddy McCourt. But let’s be realistic here, I have as much of a chance of featuring against Hamilton Saturday as McCourt.

Hamilton have not been the usual first year team up in the SPL this year. Currently sitting in 8th place in the league, six points ahead of the relegation zone Falkirk. This play has clearly been the result of young Jim McCarthy’s play. However, the surprise Accies will be shorthanded on Saturday. Goalkeeper Tomas Cerny and Simon Mensing are suspended, while Kenny Deuchar, and defenders Brian Easton and Trent McClenahan are rated doubtful.

Celtic clearly out-class the Accies even with rising star James McCarthy. However, that is the case for most SPL games, but that doesn’t always show up in the results. Hamilton will be looking to put a lot of men behind the ball and play for a point. If they get a goal, bully for them, but they will be focused on preventing Celtic from scoring. Hamilton coach Billy Reid even said “”I think if we were to get a point, it would be a good result for us at this stage of the season.” Therefore, an early goal will be key for Celtic. Hamilton just do not have enough firepower to come from behind like a Dundee United would. Celtic will need to keep the pressure on early and not give the Accies any hope. I don’t know why, but something tells me a revitalized Georgios Samaras, buoyed by…you know…actually scoring a goal for Greece (albeit a penalty), will get an early goal that Celtic will build on and will lead to a 3-0 dominating win.

TAL