Former Celtic striker Joe Miller joined me to preview the Glasgow Derby for the Celtic Soul Podcast ahead of the big game. Joe knows what it is like to play in the game and he knows how biased the officials have always been against Celtic.

Celtic Legend Billy McNeill was Joe’s manager and Billy was in no doubt the referees loyalties were with the blue half of Glasgow and indeed anyone else who played Celtic.

Joe knows privately that Martin O’Neill will be telling the players the same ahead of the must win game for Celtic to keep the bhoys title hopes alive. Like Joe and big Billy, O’Neill is no stranger to the Glasgow Derby; he hinted at the pre-match press conference that this would be his last as journalists fished for information on if he would be staying around for next season.

O’Neill knocked this version of rangers out of both cups this season at Hampden and Ibrox and a late Hatate penalty at Ibrox in the league to salvage a point. This will be the Celtic manager’s first time in the Celtic dugout against them since 2005.

Speaking to the gathered press , Martin O’Neill said: “I’m really looking forward to the game. There’s plenty to play for – there always seems to be, too, but particularly now, coming to the back end of the season.

“You would have to say it’s actually out of Rangers’ hands, so from that viewpoint, that’s probably the only thing that’s changed.

“That’s not to say you would rule them out but at the minute, with games running out, it’s out of their hands.

“Regardless of what the result was before, it will be a strong Rangers side and I think there’ll be a big reaction as well, so we’ve got to be ready for that ourselves. But the place will be rocking on Sunday.”

https://youtu.be/wbZXxdQibNs?si=qARqceNtBCf6HCjn

Daizen Maeda limped off the pitch at Easter Road last weekend but thankfully he is fit for the game on Sunday. His return to form is a case of better late than never and he should prove a handful for the rangers defence.

I travel over to Glasgow on Saturday and will be tuning in like so many other Celtic fans to the Motherwell V Hearts game. Let us hope that Motherwell can do us a favour and take something from the game before Celtic go into battle.

The Celtic fans have been in fine form over the last few weeks and O’Neill has spoken about how much it has helped the team. It’s going to be another tension filled weekend which has become the norm these days.

Bring on the Rangers!

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast 

 

Last week, Celtic Football Club took a decision which will significantly impact supporters, in this case the relocation of fans within the Rail Seating section, without prior consultation or clear communication.

Around 170 season ticket holders received an unsigned email on Friday afternoon informing them that, while they would be able to renew their season tickets, they would not be able to remain in their current seats. The communication provided little clarity around relocation arrangements, including whether supporters attending together would remain together.

Throughout the season, the Club has repeatedly demonstrated that its communications are lacking and its supporter engagement model is fundamentally broken.

While we understand further clarification from the Club will follow soon, that does not excuse the manner in which this was communicated in the first place. Any attempt to improve the atmosphere or matchday experience should be welcomed, but it must also be carried out with respect for all supporters and proper engagement with those affected.

Just days after further public comments from chairman Brian Wilson regarding communication, engagement and togetherness between the Club and supporters, this situation once again highlights the disconnect between those statements and the reality experienced by supporters.

The Club must now commit, as a matter of urgency, to a transparent and democratic supporter engagement model capable of properly representing supporter concerns, resolving fan issues and holding the Board accountable.

https://youtu.be/AeN6Mwe4Joo?si=WkahvcmsBDVH1Lzr

Celtic continued the fight to retain the Scottish Premiership Trophy with a 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road. Happy buses heading back to Glasgow for a few sociables on this bank holiday weekend and the talk turns to Hearts v the rangers on Monday evening at Ibrox. 

Dazien Maeda picked up another man of the match award for his work rate again today and another goal. He opened the scoring late in the first half but Hibs equalised on the stroke of half time. He played the 90 minutes switching to the left wing late in the game but he limped off after the game with boot and sock in hand. Let’s hope it’s not too serious. 

A controversial goal as the Hibs goal scorer Newell handled the ball first before slotting the ball in the net. VAR was called into action but the Orange Order of Officials still awarded the goal. 

We knew it would be another tension filled 90 plus minutes and it was nervy at moments and near the end after Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to secure all three points. He certainly made an impact with his composure and coolness to score the winner. 

Jamie McGrath saw red  for a late challenge on Alistair Johnston after VAR intervened after 19 minutes to give Celtic a numerical advantage. Getting Johnston back for the title run in is a big bonus for Martin O’Neill and it was great to see him in the starting 11 after coming off the bench. It was his assist that put Maeda in for the opening goal. 

The chants of bring on the rangers after the game could be heard ringing out. Next Sunday we are back in Glasgow for the start of a week of planes, trains and automobiles. 3 games to go the tension and excitement continues to build. 

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast 

 

 

Hearts remain in the driving seat after last weekend’s games. A late winner against 9 man Hibs in the Edinburgh derby which maintained their top of league status. Celtic now move into the passenger seat after a 3-1 home win on Saturday against Falkirk at Celtic Park and sit 3 points behind Hearts. 

The rangers moved into the back seat after a 3-2 defeat at home to Motherwell and now sit 4 points behind Hearts and 1 point behind Celtic. They still have the best goal difference +34, Hearts are +31 and Celtic +26. 

This weekend Celtic travel to Edinburgh to face a Hibs team desperate for a win to stay in touch with Motherwell and secure European Football next season. Celtic will travel with confidence to the capital with Daizen Maeda expected to lead the line up front once again after finding form over the last few games. Alistair Johnstone looked very comfortable on his return from injury and should start the game. 

Getting a key player back and another one returning to near his best is such a bonus at this crucial stage of the season. The Hibs / Celtic  game kicks off at noon and is live on Sky Sports. Hearts welcome the rangers to Tynecastle on Monday for a 5:30pm kick off and the game also live on Sky Sports. 

Celtic will have a battle on their hands at Easter Road and they should need no motivation and pick up where they left off on Saturday at Celtic Park. Hopefully they can secure the 3 points needed and then we can sit back and watch Hearts / the rangers game in a bit more comfort. One of them or both of them are dropping points in a season of twists and turns with more tension filled 90 minutes to come.

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast