24/12/2012 : CELTIC V DUNDEE, SPL, WEDNESDAY, 26 DECEMBER

It seems strange when Christmas comes along and there is no Old Firm match to tuck into. But our traditional opponents must be feeling the pain of loss much more than we are ! Instead of the anticipation of an Old Firm game, the will welcome Clyde for a grinding third division battle. Meantime, the Bhoys are sitting pretty: still involved in all four competitions for the first time since the Jock Stein era, looking forward to welcoming the Old Lady of Turin to Celtic Park in the last sixteen of the Champions’ League and five points ahead of the pack in the SPL. But this is not the moment to let complacency take over. What is important now is to continue to push ahead at the top of the SPL to give ourselves a cushion ahead of the fixtures pile-up which may come along as we continue to pursue trophies on four fronts. And this is what makes the post-Christmas trip to take on Dundee at Dens Park important.
DUNDEE V CELTIC, SPL, WEDNESDAY, 26 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H30, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, looking forward to a return to the ground where he made his debut as a Celtic player just over twelve years ago, know that our opponents will give their all on Wednesday.
"It will be a cup final for them, but I suppose every game is for them really," says the Celtic gaffer. He warns that "they have nothing to lose against us and there is no expectation level for them either, so their players, like most teams, will try and raise their game for us”. He concludes that it´s a very dangerous game and one we can´t take eye off”.
For the Bhoys, Mikael Lustig and Miku are hoped to be back in the squad. However, Adam Matthews, Kris Commons, Joe Ledley and Anthony Stokes are all out and Lassad Nouioui is doubtful with ‘flu. Dundee also have their injury problems so Cectic’s greater strength in depth should show its value.
Celtic are currently on a run of five domestic wins in a row. A win on Wednesday would certainly keep the holiday spirit going – and help to at least maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
DUNDEE V CELTIC, SPL, WEDNESDAY, 26 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H30, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, looking forward to a return to the ground where he made his debut as a Celtic player just over twelve years ago, know that our opponents will give their all on Wednesday.
"It will be a cup final for them, but I suppose every game is for them really," says the Celtic gaffer. He warns that "they have nothing to lose against us and there is no expectation level for them either, so their players, like most teams, will try and raise their game for us”. He concludes that it´s a very dangerous game and one we can´t take eye off”.
For the Bhoys, Mikael Lustig and Miku are hoped to be back in the squad. However, Adam Matthews, Kris Commons, Joe Ledley and Anthony Stokes are all out and Lassad Nouioui is doubtful with ‘flu. Dundee also have their injury problems so Cectic’s greater strength in depth should show its value.
Celtic are currently on a run of five domestic wins in a row. A win on Wednesday would certainly keep the holiday spirit going – and help to at least maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
20/12/2012 : CELTIC V JUVENTUS IN CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE FIRST KNOCK-OUT ROUND

Celtic have been drawn against Juventus in the first knock-out round of the Champions’ League. This tie brings back memories of a famous victory over Juve at Celtic Park in the 2001-2 Champions’ League campaign. Of course, there is also a score to settle after the way Celtic lost out in the match in Turin that season to a dodgy penalty.
Juve have been in the doldrums in recent seasons for reasons that are well-known. But they have shown so far this season that they are a force to be reckoned with again, topping a group that included reigning European champions, Chelsea, and Shaktar Donetsk. Neil Lennon summed up the tie succinctly, saying, "in terms of glamour it's great; in terms of qualification it's very tough".
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park on Tuesday, 12 February, and the return match at the new Juventus stadium in Turin will be on Wednesday, 6 March.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
Juve have been in the doldrums in recent seasons for reasons that are well-known. But they have shown so far this season that they are a force to be reckoned with again, topping a group that included reigning European champions, Chelsea, and Shaktar Donetsk. Neil Lennon summed up the tie succinctly, saying, "in terms of glamour it's great; in terms of qualification it's very tough".
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park on Tuesday, 12 February, and the return match at the new Juventus stadium in Turin will be on Wednesday, 6 March.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
12/12/2012 : CELTIC V ARBROATH, SCOTTISH CUP, WEDNESDAY, 12 DECEMBER

Just a week after the heady heights of qualification for the knock-out stages of the Champions’ League, Celtic face a very real banana-skin of a match when they travel to Arbroath to take on the minnows of the Irn-Bru Second Division on their home patch at Gayfield Park in a Scottish Cup fourth round replay.
ARBROATH V CELTIC, SCOTTISH CUP, WEDNESDAY, 12 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
This is definitely a game the Bhoys could have done without and, with the home team no doubt being up for it after drawing the original match at Celtic Park, it will be a real motivational challenge for Neil Lennon and his team.
And the Celtic manager is certainly up for it, appreciating the potential risk involved.“We are taking this game very seriously," he says. "It is a different competition but one where we have had no recent success and we would like to progress so it is another important game.” He sees the challenge very clearly, remarking that "the way things have been going in the last week to 10 days, you want to keep that feel-good factor going and this is potentially very dangerous.” He goes on to emphasise the particular challenge of the Cup, recalling that "I have been on the end of a few cup upsets as a player and a manager and I don't want that to happen tonight". But Lennie believes that recent similar matches will stand his Bhoys in good stead, commenting that "it will be a new experience for me going to Arbroath and for most of the players as well. But in the last couple of years we have been at Berwick and Peterhead so we know the attitude has to be right.”
Positive news ahead of the game is that Mikael Lustig and Paddy McCourt are available again after injury and, after the gruelling few weeks the team has had, any reinforcement of the squad is to be welcomed.
The Bhoys remain in contention in four competitions and with the season going so well so far, a run in the Cup as well would be welcome. However, tonight’s match is by no means a banker and we really need the team to be up for it!
According to current schedules, this will be the last televised Celtic match before the holiday break so I take the opportunity to wish all Brussels CSC members, friends and their families a hoopy Christmas. Here’s hoping that 2013 will dawn green and white for everyone!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
ARBROATH V CELTIC, SCOTTISH CUP, WEDNESDAY, 12 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
This is definitely a game the Bhoys could have done without and, with the home team no doubt being up for it after drawing the original match at Celtic Park, it will be a real motivational challenge for Neil Lennon and his team.
And the Celtic manager is certainly up for it, appreciating the potential risk involved.“We are taking this game very seriously," he says. "It is a different competition but one where we have had no recent success and we would like to progress so it is another important game.” He sees the challenge very clearly, remarking that "the way things have been going in the last week to 10 days, you want to keep that feel-good factor going and this is potentially very dangerous.” He goes on to emphasise the particular challenge of the Cup, recalling that "I have been on the end of a few cup upsets as a player and a manager and I don't want that to happen tonight". But Lennie believes that recent similar matches will stand his Bhoys in good stead, commenting that "it will be a new experience for me going to Arbroath and for most of the players as well. But in the last couple of years we have been at Berwick and Peterhead so we know the attitude has to be right.”
Positive news ahead of the game is that Mikael Lustig and Paddy McCourt are available again after injury and, after the gruelling few weeks the team has had, any reinforcement of the squad is to be welcomed.
The Bhoys remain in contention in four competitions and with the season going so well so far, a run in the Cup as well would be welcome. However, tonight’s match is by no means a banker and we really need the team to be up for it!
According to current schedules, this will be the last televised Celtic match before the holiday break so I take the opportunity to wish all Brussels CSC members, friends and their families a hoopy Christmas. Here’s hoping that 2013 will dawn green and white for everyone!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
07/12/2012 : CELTIC V KILMARNOCK, SPL, SATURDAY, 8 DECEMBER

The euphoria following the Bhoys qualification for the knock-out stages of the Champions’ League has not died down yet but Celtic need to focus now on the bread and butter business of retaining the SPL title, where they currently lead the table by just a single point. The focus of our domestic season shifts this weekend to Rugby Park where the Bhoys travel to take on Kilmarnock.
KILMARNOCK V CELTIC, SPL, SATURDAY, 8 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 13H30, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Recent encounters with Killie have been a bit of a roller-coaster. The Bhoys wrapped up the SPL title at Rugby Park in April with a 6-0 victory over the hosts. But that came a month after the painful CIS Cup final defeat to Killie. Back in October, the same opponents burst the post-Barca victory bubble with a 2-0 victory at Celtic Park. Indeed, given that Celtic have won only four of their last twelve matches, albeit with two of those victories being over Barca and Spartak, Saturday would be a good time to start a run of domestic victories to allow us establish a significant lead at the top of the SPL before the European action starts again in February.
One of the heroes of Wednesday night, Georgios Samaras, recognises that the Bhoys now need to refocus their efforts. "It's not been easy, not only for us but all the teams playing in the Champions League," he says. "But" he asserts, "from yesterday, all we are thinking about is the game against Kilmarnock". "We know going from Champions League to Scottish Premier League, the games weren't the best", he admits. "We need to change it and be more focused." And he believes that the situation will now change. "We are going to have more rest between games and it's a good time to start winning games in the SPL." He concludes that "now it is just the SPL, it is a good time to start a run and open a gap over the other teams".
Given that Celtic have failed to win the SPL match that followed each of their last three Champions’ League matches, Saturday would indeed be good time to start to change the situation. Although Killie have caused a few unpleasant surprises for Celts, the fact remains that it is nearly three years since they beat the Bhoys at Rugby Park. We hope to see that statistic extended on Saturday!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
KILMARNOCK V CELTIC, SPL, SATURDAY, 8 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 13H30, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Recent encounters with Killie have been a bit of a roller-coaster. The Bhoys wrapped up the SPL title at Rugby Park in April with a 6-0 victory over the hosts. But that came a month after the painful CIS Cup final defeat to Killie. Back in October, the same opponents burst the post-Barca victory bubble with a 2-0 victory at Celtic Park. Indeed, given that Celtic have won only four of their last twelve matches, albeit with two of those victories being over Barca and Spartak, Saturday would be a good time to start a run of domestic victories to allow us establish a significant lead at the top of the SPL before the European action starts again in February.
One of the heroes of Wednesday night, Georgios Samaras, recognises that the Bhoys now need to refocus their efforts. "It's not been easy, not only for us but all the teams playing in the Champions League," he says. "But" he asserts, "from yesterday, all we are thinking about is the game against Kilmarnock". "We know going from Champions League to Scottish Premier League, the games weren't the best", he admits. "We need to change it and be more focused." And he believes that the situation will now change. "We are going to have more rest between games and it's a good time to start winning games in the SPL." He concludes that "now it is just the SPL, it is a good time to start a run and open a gap over the other teams".
Given that Celtic have failed to win the SPL match that followed each of their last three Champions’ League matches, Saturday would indeed be good time to start to change the situation. Although Killie have caused a few unpleasant surprises for Celts, the fact remains that it is nearly three years since they beat the Bhoys at Rugby Park. We hope to see that statistic extended on Saturday!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
04/12/2012 : CELTIC V SPARTAK MOSCOW, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 6, WED, 5 DECEMBER

Celtic go into Wednesday night’s last match of the Champions’ League group stages needing to achieve a better result than Benfica’s
against Barcelona. When the draw for the group stages was made, Celtic supporters would have settled for this scenario. It has been an exhilarating European campaign so far and now we want it to conclude successfully with victory over Spartak Moscow.
CELTIC V SPARTAK MOSCOW, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, WEDNESDAY, 5 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Spartak are already certain to finish bottom of the group and so only have pride to play for at Celtic Park. However, they have recently had a change of manager, with Unai emery being replaced by Valeri Karpin, and it remains to be seen what impact he will have on the Russian team’s performance.
Certainly, Neil Lennon is taking nothing for granted. "I don’t know what frame of mind they will come to Glasgow in, but I do know they are a dangerous team", he says. He emphasises the need for fans to be patient on Wednesday night, asserting "we’re going to have to try to win the game and we will wait all night if we have to for the goal". He concludes that "we must emphasise the importance of keeping a clean sheet".
Celtic will be without Victor Wanyama, who is suspended, but we know we can rely on Beram Kayal to fill the gap and bring all his energy to the encounter. James Forrest, Anthony Stokes and Paddy McCourt are unavailable through injury.
Whatever happens, we know that we can already look forward to European football of some sort for the Bhoys after Christmas, but, with the knock-out stages of the Champions’ League so close, that is the prize we fervently hope that Celtic will claim on Wednesday night.
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
against Barcelona. When the draw for the group stages was made, Celtic supporters would have settled for this scenario. It has been an exhilarating European campaign so far and now we want it to conclude successfully with victory over Spartak Moscow.
CELTIC V SPARTAK MOSCOW, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, WEDNESDAY, 5 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Spartak are already certain to finish bottom of the group and so only have pride to play for at Celtic Park. However, they have recently had a change of manager, with Unai emery being replaced by Valeri Karpin, and it remains to be seen what impact he will have on the Russian team’s performance.
Certainly, Neil Lennon is taking nothing for granted. "I don’t know what frame of mind they will come to Glasgow in, but I do know they are a dangerous team", he says. He emphasises the need for fans to be patient on Wednesday night, asserting "we’re going to have to try to win the game and we will wait all night if we have to for the goal". He concludes that "we must emphasise the importance of keeping a clean sheet".
Celtic will be without Victor Wanyama, who is suspended, but we know we can rely on Beram Kayal to fill the gap and bring all his energy to the encounter. James Forrest, Anthony Stokes and Paddy McCourt are unavailable through injury.
Whatever happens, we know that we can already look forward to European football of some sort for the Bhoys after Christmas, but, with the knock-out stages of the Champions’ League so close, that is the prize we fervently hope that Celtic will claim on Wednesday night.
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
19/11/2012 : CELTIC V BENFICA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP G, MATCHDAY 5, TUESDAY, 20 NOVEMBER

If ever there was an occasion to put the last game out of their minds, Tuesday night’s clash with Benfica in Lisbon is it for the Bhoys. Yes, the victory over Barcelona was spectacular and well-earned but the upcoming match presents a challenge of a significantly different character.
BENFICA V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP G, MATCHDAY 5, TUESDAY, 20 NOVEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Unlike Barcelona, Benfica will be fighting for their lives in the competition. They will have the support of a passionate stadium that is almost as valuable an extra man as the Paradise Roar is for Celtic. Also unlike against Barcelona, historically Celtic have never even succeeded in coming away from Lisbon with even a draw: in the four previous encounters between the sides in European competition at the Stadio de Luz, Benfica have always been the winners. Moreover, although Benfica have made a slow start to their Champions’ League campaign this season, they have recently hit form and have won their last five games in all competitions, including the victory against Spartak Moscow that has put them back in contention in Group G.
Celtic Assistant Manager Johan Mjallby is well aware of what Celtic can expect, acknowledging that "they are probably going to go all out and win the game and they are going to be strong at home, a good side going forward, well organised". At the same time, the Bhoys can certainly draw encouragement from their away performances in European competition so far this season. As Johan Mjallby recognises, "we have picked up a lot of confidence from our away games and we know that if we defend really well we can get something from this game".
Good news for Celtic ahead of the game is that Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras appear to have recovered from the knocks sustained during the victory over Aberdeen at the weekend. Reports from Celtic Park indicate that Scott Brown and Gary Hooper are also back in contention for a place in the starting line-up.
So it is certainly likely to be another of those backs to the wall occasions but, as the team has shown already this season, these Bhoys know how to hold their own in this sort of situation. What is certain is that it will be another great night of European football and we would not be without it!
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
BENFICA V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP G, MATCHDAY 5, TUESDAY, 20 NOVEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Unlike Barcelona, Benfica will be fighting for their lives in the competition. They will have the support of a passionate stadium that is almost as valuable an extra man as the Paradise Roar is for Celtic. Also unlike against Barcelona, historically Celtic have never even succeeded in coming away from Lisbon with even a draw: in the four previous encounters between the sides in European competition at the Stadio de Luz, Benfica have always been the winners. Moreover, although Benfica have made a slow start to their Champions’ League campaign this season, they have recently hit form and have won their last five games in all competitions, including the victory against Spartak Moscow that has put them back in contention in Group G.
Celtic Assistant Manager Johan Mjallby is well aware of what Celtic can expect, acknowledging that "they are probably going to go all out and win the game and they are going to be strong at home, a good side going forward, well organised". At the same time, the Bhoys can certainly draw encouragement from their away performances in European competition so far this season. As Johan Mjallby recognises, "we have picked up a lot of confidence from our away games and we know that if we defend really well we can get something from this game".
Good news for Celtic ahead of the game is that Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras appear to have recovered from the knocks sustained during the victory over Aberdeen at the weekend. Reports from Celtic Park indicate that Scott Brown and Gary Hooper are also back in contention for a place in the starting line-up.
So it is certainly likely to be another of those backs to the wall occasions but, as the team has shown already this season, these Bhoys know how to hold their own in this sort of situation. What is certain is that it will be another great night of European football and we would not be without it!
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
15/11/2012 : CELTIC V ABERDEEN, SPL, SATURDAY, 17 NOVEMBER

Everyone is still buzzing after the Bhoys famous victory over Barca and rightly so. At the same time, the emotional intensity of it all seemed to catch up with the team when they let St. Johnstone back into the game last Saturday. Hopefully, with involvement by some of the squad in friendly internationals having been the only distraction this week, the opportunity will have been taken to recharge batteries ahead of the trip to Pittodrie to take on Aberdeen in the early kick-off on Saturday.
ABERDEEN V CELTIC, SPL, SATURDAY, 17 NOVEMBER, KICK-OFF 13H00, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Traditionally, the Dons have always offered visiting teams from Glasgow a stiff challenge. And no less can be expected on Saturday when the hosts know that a victory will allow them to leapfrog Celtic into second place in the SPL. However, manager Neil Lennon is confident of a better performance from the team come this Saturday, commenting that "it´s a game we're looking forward to". He maintains that "with a week´s rest you will see a fresher, better Celtic". Indeed he sees that Dons position in the SPL as a motivating factor for the Bhoys, concluding that "Aberdeen are going well, the atmosphere will be good and the players will thrive on that".
While it is still early in the season and with the team campaigning on four fronts in terms of trophies this season, it is inevitable that there will be some off days. At the same time, we do not want to see them falling too far behind the pace at the top of the table so a win on Saturday would bring a welcome boost.
JEANINE FONCK RIP
This week came the sad news that one of our long-serving members, Jeanine Fonck, died on 22 October 2012. Jeanine and Dominique Mac Lafferty rank among the stalwarts of the Brussels CSC since the early days, coming with us on many of our trips to support the Bhoys as well as being with us regularly to watch matches in our base in Brussels. As recently as last May, Jeanine came with Dominique to join us as we celebrated the return of the SPL trophy to Celtic Park. We offer our condolences to Dominique and his family circle at this time.
Hail, Hail,
Seán
ABERDEEN V CELTIC, SPL, SATURDAY, 17 NOVEMBER, KICK-OFF 13H00, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Traditionally, the Dons have always offered visiting teams from Glasgow a stiff challenge. And no less can be expected on Saturday when the hosts know that a victory will allow them to leapfrog Celtic into second place in the SPL. However, manager Neil Lennon is confident of a better performance from the team come this Saturday, commenting that "it´s a game we're looking forward to". He maintains that "with a week´s rest you will see a fresher, better Celtic". Indeed he sees that Dons position in the SPL as a motivating factor for the Bhoys, concluding that "Aberdeen are going well, the atmosphere will be good and the players will thrive on that".
While it is still early in the season and with the team campaigning on four fronts in terms of trophies this season, it is inevitable that there will be some off days. At the same time, we do not want to see them falling too far behind the pace at the top of the table so a win on Saturday would bring a welcome boost.
JEANINE FONCK RIP
This week came the sad news that one of our long-serving members, Jeanine Fonck, died on 22 October 2012. Jeanine and Dominique Mac Lafferty rank among the stalwarts of the Brussels CSC since the early days, coming with us on many of our trips to support the Bhoys as well as being with us regularly to watch matches in our base in Brussels. As recently as last May, Jeanine came with Dominique to join us as we celebrated the return of the SPL trophy to Celtic Park. We offer our condolences to Dominique and his family circle at this time.
Hail, Hail,
Seán
06/11/2012 : CELTIC V BARCELONA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 4, WED, 7 NOVEMBER

No need to underline the importance of Wednesday night’s clash between the teams standing first and second in Group E of this season’s Champions’ League when Barcelona visit Celtic Park.
CELTIC V BARCELONA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, WEDNESDAY, 7 NOVEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
After their determined performance at the Nou Camp two weeks ago, the Bhoys will be hoping that, with the Paradise roar behind them,
they can go one better and take something from the match this time.
Of course, Celtic performances in the intervening two weeks have been decidedly mixed. We must hope that on the night the Bhoys will rise to the occasion and deliver of their best. Their chances will not be helped by the absence of a number of key players through injury. Definitely missing will be Emilio Izaguirre, Thomas Rogne, James Forrest and Lassad Nouioui. Gary Hooper is also very doubtful. Better news is that Georgios Samaras is hopeful of being fit to play - and this is just the sort of match in which he could make a difference.
This is particularly so because, as was the case two weeks ago, Barca have key players missing at the back. The most notable absentee is Puyol. The visitors have also travelled without Adriano and Thiago, who are injured, and Busquets, who is suspended.
Encouragement for Celtic this week came from our living legend, Henrik Larsson, who, of course, also won a Champions’ League medal with Barca. He remarks that "any team that comes to Celtic Park it is always difficult. I don’t know which game plan Celtic are going to have. I think they’re going to attack a little bit more because they are at home with the supporters behind them as well." He sees an opportunity for Celtic given Barca’s defensive limitations at the moment. He observes that "it is very hard to attack them. Now I think you can upset the back four. He points out that "it is not the back four they would love to have. You saw it in Barcelona at set pieces, they were a little bit short and they are missing Puyol".
Of course, with Messi in their team, Barca know that they have a player who can win a game on his own. He has happy memories of his last visit to Celtic Park, when he scored twice. So let us hope that the Bhoys are as well organised as they were in the Nou Camp and give Messi as few chances as possible.
Celtic showed their mettle in the Nou Camp. Now they must do it all over again!
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
CELTIC V BARCELONA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, WEDNESDAY, 7 NOVEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
After their determined performance at the Nou Camp two weeks ago, the Bhoys will be hoping that, with the Paradise roar behind them,
they can go one better and take something from the match this time.
Of course, Celtic performances in the intervening two weeks have been decidedly mixed. We must hope that on the night the Bhoys will rise to the occasion and deliver of their best. Their chances will not be helped by the absence of a number of key players through injury. Definitely missing will be Emilio Izaguirre, Thomas Rogne, James Forrest and Lassad Nouioui. Gary Hooper is also very doubtful. Better news is that Georgios Samaras is hopeful of being fit to play - and this is just the sort of match in which he could make a difference.
This is particularly so because, as was the case two weeks ago, Barca have key players missing at the back. The most notable absentee is Puyol. The visitors have also travelled without Adriano and Thiago, who are injured, and Busquets, who is suspended.
Encouragement for Celtic this week came from our living legend, Henrik Larsson, who, of course, also won a Champions’ League medal with Barca. He remarks that "any team that comes to Celtic Park it is always difficult. I don’t know which game plan Celtic are going to have. I think they’re going to attack a little bit more because they are at home with the supporters behind them as well." He sees an opportunity for Celtic given Barca’s defensive limitations at the moment. He observes that "it is very hard to attack them. Now I think you can upset the back four. He points out that "it is not the back four they would love to have. You saw it in Barcelona at set pieces, they were a little bit short and they are missing Puyol".
Of course, with Messi in their team, Barca know that they have a player who can win a game on his own. He has happy memories of his last visit to Celtic Park, when he scored twice. So let us hope that the Bhoys are as well organised as they were in the Nou Camp and give Messi as few chances as possible.
Celtic showed their mettle in the Nou Camp. Now they must do it all over again!
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
31/10/2012 : CELTIC V DUNDEE UNITED, SPL, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4

The Bhoys travel to Tannadice on Sunday to take on Dundee United in a match that has taken on a new significance after last week’s poor performance against Killie, which saw Celtic’s lead at the top of the SPL cut to two points.
DUNDEE UNITED V CELTIC, SPL, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, KICK-OFF 13H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Perhaps last week’s sub-standard performance could be put down to a post-Nou Camp reaction. However, the risk of distraction is even greater this time with Barca visiting Celtic Park just three days after the Tannadice match. This is why Neil Lennon has already set out his stall clearly well ahead of Sunday’s match, saying "we have three or four days before we play Dundee United and that is our main focus". He emphasises that "Barcelona is coming up next week but I don't want to talk about that until after Dundee United on Sunday”.
Tuesday night’s 5-0 drubbing of St. Johnstone in the League Cup quarter-final suggests that last Saturday was simply a blip but we cannot afford another this weekend.
Celtic’s main worries ahead of the visit to Tannadice are Gary Hooper, who is nursing a hamstring injury having come off at half-time in mid-week and Scott Brown, whose hip problem continues to restrict his playing time.
While the Arabs are only in tenth place in the SPL, the chasing pack is tightly bunched and they will be looking to leap up the table with a winning performance on Sunday. So the Bhoys will need to be vigilant and ready to seize their opportunities. If they are, a win is on the cards, which would put everyone in the right frame of mind for the visit of Barca.
Next on the List : Celtic v Barcelona, Wednesday, 7 November, Kick-Off 20h45, Live in the Old Oak
Hail! Hail!
Seán
DUNDEE UNITED V CELTIC, SPL, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, KICK-OFF 13H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Perhaps last week’s sub-standard performance could be put down to a post-Nou Camp reaction. However, the risk of distraction is even greater this time with Barca visiting Celtic Park just three days after the Tannadice match. This is why Neil Lennon has already set out his stall clearly well ahead of Sunday’s match, saying "we have three or four days before we play Dundee United and that is our main focus". He emphasises that "Barcelona is coming up next week but I don't want to talk about that until after Dundee United on Sunday”.
Tuesday night’s 5-0 drubbing of St. Johnstone in the League Cup quarter-final suggests that last Saturday was simply a blip but we cannot afford another this weekend.
Celtic’s main worries ahead of the visit to Tannadice are Gary Hooper, who is nursing a hamstring injury having come off at half-time in mid-week and Scott Brown, whose hip problem continues to restrict his playing time.
While the Arabs are only in tenth place in the SPL, the chasing pack is tightly bunched and they will be looking to leap up the table with a winning performance on Sunday. So the Bhoys will need to be vigilant and ready to seize their opportunities. If they are, a win is on the cards, which would put everyone in the right frame of mind for the visit of Barca.
Next on the List : Celtic v Barcelona, Wednesday, 7 November, Kick-Off 20h45, Live in the Old Oak
Hail! Hail!
Seán
22/10/2012 : CELTIC V BARCELONA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE, MATCHDAY 3, TUESDAY, 23 OCTOBER

Celtic face what manager Neil Lennon describes as "the ultimate challenge" when the Bhoys take on Barcelona on Tuesday night at the Nou Camp. The victory in Moscow in their last Champions’ League outing was certainly a boost and, indeed, may have taken some of the pressure off the Bhoys but Tuesday night’s match will involve a significant step-up in class.
BARCELONA V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE, MATCHDAY 3, TUESDAY, 23 OCTOBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Barca go into the match with significant selection problems in defence with Alves and Abidal out injured and Puyol and Pique also considered unlikely to be fit to face Celtic. The likely absence of Busquets following his red card in the last match against Benfica adds to the home team’s selection limitations. However, the absence of key players cannot be taken as a sign of weakness for a team like Barcelona, as they showed at the weekend when they responded to the four goals Deportivo La Coruna scored against them by scoring five of their own, including yet another hat-trick by Messi. The significance of this will not have been lost on Neil Lennon, who headed directly to Spain to run the rule over our opponents following the Bhoys’ 5-0 victory at St. Mirren.
But the Bhoys will not be daunted by the opposition they face on Tuesday night. The spirit in the Celtic camp is summed up by Beram Kayal who insists "we can do something in the Nou Camp," He emphasises that "Barcelona are the best team in the world, but we are full of confidence and we go there with belief". Good news from the Celtic camp is that our four injury worries, Scott Brown, James Forrest, Georgios Samaras and Kris Commons have all travelled to Spain and may take some part in proceedings.
Champions’ League football is all about nights like this. It will be a tough ask for Celtic on Tuesday night but we have pulled off a surprise or two at the Nou Camp in our history and we look forward to a tenacious Celtic performance.
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
BARCELONA V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE, MATCHDAY 3, TUESDAY, 23 OCTOBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Barca go into the match with significant selection problems in defence with Alves and Abidal out injured and Puyol and Pique also considered unlikely to be fit to face Celtic. The likely absence of Busquets following his red card in the last match against Benfica adds to the home team’s selection limitations. However, the absence of key players cannot be taken as a sign of weakness for a team like Barcelona, as they showed at the weekend when they responded to the four goals Deportivo La Coruna scored against them by scoring five of their own, including yet another hat-trick by Messi. The significance of this will not have been lost on Neil Lennon, who headed directly to Spain to run the rule over our opponents following the Bhoys’ 5-0 victory at St. Mirren.
But the Bhoys will not be daunted by the opposition they face on Tuesday night. The spirit in the Celtic camp is summed up by Beram Kayal who insists "we can do something in the Nou Camp," He emphasises that "Barcelona are the best team in the world, but we are full of confidence and we go there with belief". Good news from the Celtic camp is that our four injury worries, Scott Brown, James Forrest, Georgios Samaras and Kris Commons have all travelled to Spain and may take some part in proceedings.
Champions’ League football is all about nights like this. It will be a tough ask for Celtic on Tuesday night but we have pulled off a surprise or two at the Nou Camp in our history and we look forward to a tenacious Celtic performance.
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
05/10/2012 : CELTIC V HEARTS, SPL, SUNDAY, 7 OCTOBER

We are all proud of the Bhoys and thrilled with the historic victory achieved in Moscow in the Champions’ League in mid-week. Coming on top of a convincing win at Motherwell in the SPl last weekend that displaced the hosts from the top of the table, it has been a highly satisfactory week – so far. And it will get even better if we beat Hearts at Celtic Park on Sunday.
CELTIC V HEARTS, SPL, SUNDAY, 7 OCTOBER, KICK-OFF 13H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Matches against the Jammers are generally intense affairs and will be all the more so this season as they seem to want to fill the void of our disgraced Glasgow rivals. So this will not be a match in which the Bhoys can sit back and take it easy. But no better gaffer to get the team up for it again than Neil Lennon. Looking back on events, he us rightly proud of what has been achieved. "It´s been a great start to the week, winning at Motherwell, playing so well and going top of the league, and then the pinnacle of beating Spartak in Moscow", says the manager. He continues that "it wasn´t just the result, but the performance as well. All the attributes the team showed – the character, the quality, the pace – everything how you dream the team to play all came to fruition on that night".
But true to character he is quickly looking forward again."Now it´s back to work," he says. "We have had a couple of days to reflect on it and take it all in. We have had a lot of nice things said about us but we have a big game on Sunday now and we´re all looking forward to it", he emphasises."It will be a tough game and as always Celtic-Hearts games whet the appetite. We are at home which is great. I´m looking forward to it and hopefully the crowd will be energised by the game this week" He concludes that "we have to make sure we keep our feet on the pedal."
Off the pitch, it has been a positive week also for a number of the Bhoys. James Forrest, Adam Matthews and Charlie Mulgrew have all signed extensions to their contracts and Fraser Forster has received a well-deserved call-up to the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
One week does not make a season but the last seven days have certainly given us grounds for optimism for the weeks and months ahead.
Here’s hoping the positive mood is carried forward on Sunday and beyond.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
CELTIC V HEARTS, SPL, SUNDAY, 7 OCTOBER, KICK-OFF 13H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Matches against the Jammers are generally intense affairs and will be all the more so this season as they seem to want to fill the void of our disgraced Glasgow rivals. So this will not be a match in which the Bhoys can sit back and take it easy. But no better gaffer to get the team up for it again than Neil Lennon. Looking back on events, he us rightly proud of what has been achieved. "It´s been a great start to the week, winning at Motherwell, playing so well and going top of the league, and then the pinnacle of beating Spartak in Moscow", says the manager. He continues that "it wasn´t just the result, but the performance as well. All the attributes the team showed – the character, the quality, the pace – everything how you dream the team to play all came to fruition on that night".
But true to character he is quickly looking forward again."Now it´s back to work," he says. "We have had a couple of days to reflect on it and take it all in. We have had a lot of nice things said about us but we have a big game on Sunday now and we´re all looking forward to it", he emphasises."It will be a tough game and as always Celtic-Hearts games whet the appetite. We are at home which is great. I´m looking forward to it and hopefully the crowd will be energised by the game this week" He concludes that "we have to make sure we keep our feet on the pedal."
Off the pitch, it has been a positive week also for a number of the Bhoys. James Forrest, Adam Matthews and Charlie Mulgrew have all signed extensions to their contracts and Fraser Forster has received a well-deserved call-up to the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
One week does not make a season but the last seven days have certainly given us grounds for optimism for the weeks and months ahead.
Here’s hoping the positive mood is carried forward on Sunday and beyond.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
01/10/2012 : CELTIC V SPARTAK MOSCOW, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 2, TUE, 2 OCTOBER

Celtic travel to Moscow on Tuesday to take on Spartak Moscow in the second round of matches of this season’s Champions’ League campaign on the artificial surface of the Luzhniki Stadium.
SPARTAK MOSCOW V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 2, TUE, 2 OCTOBER, KICK-OFF 18H00, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
N.B. Early kick-off of this match at 18h00.
While Celtic’s away record in Europe has improved over the past year, with away draws against Udinese and Rennes in the Europa League being followed by away wins against Helsinki and Helsingborgs during the Champions’ League qualifying rounds, we cannot get away from the fact that our away record in the Champions’ League group stages remains poor. The best teams in Europe have found Moscow a challenging place to visit so we will need to be braced for a step-up in class on Tuesday evening.
This is not lost on Celtic manager Neil Lennon who acknowledges that "away from home in the Champions League is the toughest game you can get in football". He concedes that "our record is not so great" – but emphasises that "records are there to be improved upon". "We know it´s going to be very tough", he continues. "Spartak Moscow are an excellent side with an excellent coach. Going forward, they have players who are very quick, strong and skilful. They are very rigid in the way they play. The Celtic boss concludes by setting out his stall clearly, saying "we will have to stop their forward players getting in between the lines and hurting us. We will have to defend well and counter-attack as best we can".
Of course, one of the main challenges for Celtic will be keeping ex-Bhoy Aiden McGeady under tight control. Since moving to Moscow, he has become a key player for Spartak and will certainly not be influenced by former loyalties come Tuesday. At the same time, Spartak go into the game without their captain, Parshivlyuk, as well as midfielder Romulo and striker Wellington. First choice goalkeeper Dykan is also ruled out. Playing in front of their passionate home support, it remains to be seen how much these absentees will affect the Spartak performance.
Good news for Celtic is that both Georgios Samaras and Joe Ledley will be available, although Adam Matthews is doubtful and Lassad Nouioui is definitely ruled out. Tuesday night will certainly be a test of how this Celtic side is maturing. We look forward to a battling performance.
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
SPARTAK MOSCOW V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 2, TUE, 2 OCTOBER, KICK-OFF 18H00, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
N.B. Early kick-off of this match at 18h00.
While Celtic’s away record in Europe has improved over the past year, with away draws against Udinese and Rennes in the Europa League being followed by away wins against Helsinki and Helsingborgs during the Champions’ League qualifying rounds, we cannot get away from the fact that our away record in the Champions’ League group stages remains poor. The best teams in Europe have found Moscow a challenging place to visit so we will need to be braced for a step-up in class on Tuesday evening.
This is not lost on Celtic manager Neil Lennon who acknowledges that "away from home in the Champions League is the toughest game you can get in football". He concedes that "our record is not so great" – but emphasises that "records are there to be improved upon". "We know it´s going to be very tough", he continues. "Spartak Moscow are an excellent side with an excellent coach. Going forward, they have players who are very quick, strong and skilful. They are very rigid in the way they play. The Celtic boss concludes by setting out his stall clearly, saying "we will have to stop their forward players getting in between the lines and hurting us. We will have to defend well and counter-attack as best we can".
Of course, one of the main challenges for Celtic will be keeping ex-Bhoy Aiden McGeady under tight control. Since moving to Moscow, he has become a key player for Spartak and will certainly not be influenced by former loyalties come Tuesday. At the same time, Spartak go into the game without their captain, Parshivlyuk, as well as midfielder Romulo and striker Wellington. First choice goalkeeper Dykan is also ruled out. Playing in front of their passionate home support, it remains to be seen how much these absentees will affect the Spartak performance.
Good news for Celtic is that both Georgios Samaras and Joe Ledley will be available, although Adam Matthews is doubtful and Lassad Nouioui is definitely ruled out. Tuesday night will certainly be a test of how this Celtic side is maturing. We look forward to a battling performance.
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
18/09/2012 : CELTIC V BENFICA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 1, WED, 19 SEPTEMBER

After a gap of four seasons, Celtic finally return to the Champions’ League on Wednesday evening, when Benfica will be the visitors to Celtic Park for the opening group match of the 2012-3 group stage of the competition.
CELTIC V BENFICA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 1, WED, 19 SEPTEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
It is without doubt a tough opener for the Bhoys. Benfica have had a strong record in the competition in recent seasons and were quarter-finalists last season. Their coach Jorge Jesus has instilled an attacked style in the team, building from midfield where Aimar and Gaitan in particular seek to control the game and create a platform for strikers Cardozo and Rodrigo, each of whom has started the season well, with three goals each in domestic competition. Benfica’s weakness has tended to be in defence and it is difficult to know what impact the absence of captain and defensive general Luisao, suspended, will have on their defensive capacity.
Celtic will be boosted by the return from injury of Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew. In the absence of the injured Georgios Samaras, new Bhoy Lassad Nouioui is expected to start up-front with Gary Hooper and it is to be hoped that his Iberian football experience with Deportivo will prove valuable against our Portuguese opponents.
Probably reflecting the step-up in skill and intensity involved at this level, Celtic have never won their opening match of a Champions’ League campaign. Come Wednesday, they will need to remain defensively vigilant, particularly in the early stages when their more experienced and confident opponents are likely to try to dominate the game. If the Bhoys do this part of the job successfully, there is every possibility that a gap will appear in our opponents defence from time to time that can be capitalised on, particularly with Paradise roar to urge them on to victory.
Celtic are underdogs ahead of the game and this may well work in their favour. Certainly, we can look forward to one of those great European nights that make all of us tims so proud!
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
CELTIC V BENFICA, CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY 1, WED, 19 SEPTEMBER, KICK-OFF 20H45, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
It is without doubt a tough opener for the Bhoys. Benfica have had a strong record in the competition in recent seasons and were quarter-finalists last season. Their coach Jorge Jesus has instilled an attacked style in the team, building from midfield where Aimar and Gaitan in particular seek to control the game and create a platform for strikers Cardozo and Rodrigo, each of whom has started the season well, with three goals each in domestic competition. Benfica’s weakness has tended to be in defence and it is difficult to know what impact the absence of captain and defensive general Luisao, suspended, will have on their defensive capacity.
Celtic will be boosted by the return from injury of Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew. In the absence of the injured Georgios Samaras, new Bhoy Lassad Nouioui is expected to start up-front with Gary Hooper and it is to be hoped that his Iberian football experience with Deportivo will prove valuable against our Portuguese opponents.
Probably reflecting the step-up in skill and intensity involved at this level, Celtic have never won their opening match of a Champions’ League campaign. Come Wednesday, they will need to remain defensively vigilant, particularly in the early stages when their more experienced and confident opponents are likely to try to dominate the game. If the Bhoys do this part of the job successfully, there is every possibility that a gap will appear in our opponents defence from time to time that can be capitalised on, particularly with Paradise roar to urge them on to victory.
Celtic are underdogs ahead of the game and this may well work in their favour. Certainly, we can look forward to one of those great European nights that make all of us tims so proud!
C’MON THE BHOYS IN EUROPE!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
05/09/2012 : EARLY NOTICE: CELTIC V ST. JOHNSTONE, SPL, SATURDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER

With a blank SPL weekend ahead due to international matches, let’s take the opportunity to look ahead to Celtic’s next SPL game, when they travel to Perth to take on St. Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
ST. JOHNSTONE V CELTIC, SPL, SATURDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER, KICK-OFF 13H30, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Having slipped to a 2-2 draw against Hibs at Celtic Park last Saturday, it will be important for the Bhoys to get into a winning groove, five days before they open their Champions’ League campaign with the visit of Benfica to Celtic Park.
St. Johnstone have had a poor start to the season and are still looking for their first win, having lost three of their opening five matches. So Celtic will be aiming to keep them firmly anchored to the bottom of the table.
This match will also be Neil Lennon’s opportunity to give his four new signings a run-out before the rigours of the Champions’ League. Celtic were busy in the closing days of the transfer window signing Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose, Tunisian forward Lassad Nouioui, Venezuelan striker Nicolas "Miku" Fedor and Slovakian goalkeeper Lubos Kamenar – the latter two on loan.
The manager sounds particularly excited about the signing of Miku, who joined from Spanish club Getafe. "I’ve been really impressed from just speaking to him. He looks like a very good professional", says Lennon. "The boys up at Lennoxtown were really impressed with his attitude. He looks like he is just a total professional in everything he does", enthused Lennie. He goes on that "In football terms he is a very good player; a good footballer and will complement Gary Hooper very well". Relecting his pleasure at what he sees as a good deal for the club, Lennon points out that "at Getafe he scored 14 goals last year in La Liga. For us to get a player like that we would normally have to pay £4-5million. So to get him on loan is a great bit of business and I know there were other clubs very interested in him. It was a coup for us." The manager concludes that "now I just hope we can hit the ground running."
And with the challenges of the Champions’ League coming up fast, we all echo that sentiment.
So let’s hope that the Bhoys get into the right frame of mind for the visit of Benfica with a solid display and victory over the Saints.
Next on the List :
Celtic v Benfica, Champions’ League Group Stage Matchday 1, Wednesday, 19 September, Kick-Off 20h45, Live in the Old Oak
Hail! Hail!
Seán
ST. JOHNSTONE V CELTIC, SPL, SATURDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER, KICK-OFF 13H30, LIVE IN THE OLD OAK
Having slipped to a 2-2 draw against Hibs at Celtic Park last Saturday, it will be important for the Bhoys to get into a winning groove, five days before they open their Champions’ League campaign with the visit of Benfica to Celtic Park.
St. Johnstone have had a poor start to the season and are still looking for their first win, having lost three of their opening five matches. So Celtic will be aiming to keep them firmly anchored to the bottom of the table.
This match will also be Neil Lennon’s opportunity to give his four new signings a run-out before the rigours of the Champions’ League. Celtic were busy in the closing days of the transfer window signing Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose, Tunisian forward Lassad Nouioui, Venezuelan striker Nicolas "Miku" Fedor and Slovakian goalkeeper Lubos Kamenar – the latter two on loan.
The manager sounds particularly excited about the signing of Miku, who joined from Spanish club Getafe. "I’ve been really impressed from just speaking to him. He looks like a very good professional", says Lennon. "The boys up at Lennoxtown were really impressed with his attitude. He looks like he is just a total professional in everything he does", enthused Lennie. He goes on that "In football terms he is a very good player; a good footballer and will complement Gary Hooper very well". Relecting his pleasure at what he sees as a good deal for the club, Lennon points out that "at Getafe he scored 14 goals last year in La Liga. For us to get a player like that we would normally have to pay £4-5million. So to get him on loan is a great bit of business and I know there were other clubs very interested in him. It was a coup for us." The manager concludes that "now I just hope we can hit the ground running."
And with the challenges of the Champions’ League coming up fast, we all echo that sentiment.
So let’s hope that the Bhoys get into the right frame of mind for the visit of Benfica with a solid display and victory over the Saints.
Next on the List :
Celtic v Benfica, Champions’ League Group Stage Matchday 1, Wednesday, 19 September, Kick-Off 20h45, Live in the Old Oak
Hail! Hail!
Seán
30/08/2012 : CELTIC DRAW BARCELONA, BENFICA AND SPARTAK MOSCOW IN CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE

In the draw for the Group stage of the Champions’ League 2012-3 this afternoon, Celtic have been drawn in Group G with Barcelona,
Benfica and Spartak Moscow.
Of course, this means a return to Celtic Park for old Bhoy, Aiden McGeady, who now plays for Spartak.
We can also look forward to another visit to the Nou Camp in Barcelona, bringing back memories of previous clashes with the Catalan
giants, not least of the heroic draw that the Bhoys secured there in the UEFA Cup 2003-4, to put Barca out of the competition that season.
Benfica are no strangers for Celtic either, as we have had many tough and memorable battles with them in the European Cup, both in the Champions’ League era and in earlier times. Playing Benfica also means a welcome return to Lisbon, the city where Celtic became the first British club to lift the European Cup in 1967.
It promises to be a challenging Champions’ League campaign with many nights of exciting European football ahead – and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
C’mon the Bhoys in Europe!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
Benfica and Spartak Moscow.
Of course, this means a return to Celtic Park for old Bhoy, Aiden McGeady, who now plays for Spartak.
We can also look forward to another visit to the Nou Camp in Barcelona, bringing back memories of previous clashes with the Catalan
giants, not least of the heroic draw that the Bhoys secured there in the UEFA Cup 2003-4, to put Barca out of the competition that season.
Benfica are no strangers for Celtic either, as we have had many tough and memorable battles with them in the European Cup, both in the Champions’ League era and in earlier times. Playing Benfica also means a welcome return to Lisbon, the city where Celtic became the first British club to lift the European Cup in 1967.
It promises to be a challenging Champions’ League campaign with many nights of exciting European football ahead – and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
C’mon the Bhoys in Europe!
Hail! Hail!
Seán
20/07/2012 : BRUSSELS CSC: CELTIC HEAD NORTH IN SEARCH OF CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE QUALIFICATION

In the draw for the Champions’ League qualification play-offs today, Celtic were drawn to play the winners of the tie between HJK Helsinki and KR Reykjavik. The first leg will be played at Celtic Park on 31 July/1 August and the second leg on 7/8 August.
As Helsinki won the first leg 7-0, they will almost certainly be our opponents. The big disadvantage that Celtic will face is that Helsinki are already half-way through their domestic season and so will have plenty of recent competitive matches under their belt. So Celtic’s pre-season friendlies now take on an even greater significance.
Helsinki (as for Reykjavik) is not a "low-fares" destination. Nonetheless, Gerry Mulholland is already on the case and, even if it means travelling via the North Pole, he will find the most competitive fares to Helsinki (or Reykjavik) out of some Belgian airport. So if you might be interested in principle in this trip, let us know by return e-mail and we will keep you informed of the options.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
As Helsinki won the first leg 7-0, they will almost certainly be our opponents. The big disadvantage that Celtic will face is that Helsinki are already half-way through their domestic season and so will have plenty of recent competitive matches under their belt. So Celtic’s pre-season friendlies now take on an even greater significance.
Helsinki (as for Reykjavik) is not a "low-fares" destination. Nonetheless, Gerry Mulholland is already on the case and, even if it means travelling via the North Pole, he will find the most competitive fares to Helsinki (or Reykjavik) out of some Belgian airport. So if you might be interested in principle in this trip, let us know by return e-mail and we will keep you informed of the options.
Hail! Hail!
Seán
Brussels Celtic Supporters' Club, Brussels CSC, Dirk Van der Perre, Dirkio, Dirkio69, Brussels Celtic Supporters' Club, Brussels CSC, Dirk Van der Perre, Dirkio, Dirkio69, Dirk Van der Perre, Dirkio, Dirkio69