Time to Settle This

By: Matt | May 22nd, 2009

It is time. The time of 7 point leads blown and taking the league back after Rangers dropping points to Inverness Caley Thistle are over. Both teams have had chances to take control of the league and neither seemed particularly interested in locking up the league in their chances. Now Rangers have control, but just barely. They have to go to Tannadice and win against a Dundee United side that has only lost to a Glasgow side once (against us). If Rangers cannot do that and Celtic beat Hearts at Celtic Park, Celtic will finally secure the league and four in a row. It is not quite the advantage that Celtic enjoyed last year at this time, but Celtic need to worry about beating a Hearts side that has secured third place. Even if Rangers lose or draw at Tannadice, if Celtic is not victorious, it does not matter. There are obvious problems in the club, but those can be ignored for the weekend at least. Celtic need to come together and play their best game of the season against a talented Hearts squad if they want any hope of saving the title from Rangers. Keep the Faith. (news after the jump)

Scott Brown and Gary Caldwell had picked up injuries in last weekend’s disappointing 0-0 draw at their former stomping grounds of Easter Road, but both should be healthy for tomorrow’s match. Brown has been linked with an 8 million quid move to Tottenham, with some inside sources saying it is a done deal, but for now Brown is just worrying about winning this Sunday. Shunsuke Nakamura might be featuring in his last match as a Celtic player, as there is much speculation Naka will rejoin his old club in Japan. Naka has picked up an injury to his groin, aka Jan Vennegooring His Hesselink, but has promised that he will be fit for Sunday’s match, which makes me believe that it is Naka’s last match in the green and white. If that is the case, Celtic supporters should consider themselves blessed to have such a talent grace Celtic Park and I will fondly remember all the great memories Naka gave Celtic.

Scott McDonald and Glenn Loovens will be available for the match, despite being “referred” to the SFA discipline committee for tackles they made. The two would not face punishment for these tackles until next year, so the big Dutchman and Skippy will be available in Sunday’s crucial clash with Hearts.

One of Scott McDonald’s striking partners, Georgios Samaras, didn’t think that Rangers would have enough motivation this weekend, so the Greek striker deciding to poke the sleeping bear (pun very much intended). Samaras said “Now it’s the opposite. But, if they are going to win it, I don’t think they deserve it. I think we are better. If they are going to win it then fair play – but it’s our mistakes (that let them) and I think we are a better team than Rangers.” While I agree with everything Samaras said, now, before the most important weekend of games in the season, is not the time to make this discovery. There is no reason to give Rangers even more motivation going into the weekend. How about we button up the lips there Sammy?

Finally, before we go off to this all important weekend of matches, why not an update on everyone’s favorite premadonna, shite, Italian midfielder. Yes, Massimo Donati felt it was a good time to announce that he will be quitting Celtic this Summer. What impeccable timing Mo! Good riddance, you cry baby.

Now is the time for Celtic to be united. We can debate (and I’m sure we will) and try and solve the problems we face after this weekend, but the supporters, players, coaches, PLC board all need to be united this weekend to try and wrestle back the league title to where it belongs.

KEEP THE FAITH!