I try not to get caught up in speculation and rumours when it comes to managers and players coming to Celtic. The Eddie Howe saga springs to mind. How many column inches and hours of podcasts were wasted on the Eddie speculation before Ange Postecoglou was announced as Celtic manager?
The international break was always going to bring plenty of speculation and debate about who will come in to replace Martin O’Neill but on Thursday night I returned to an old stomping ground of O’Neill’s the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
On the way up on the bus from Drogheda we discussed the last time Ireland pulled off a big shock which was Germany when MON’s boys in green beat the visitors 1-0 thanks to a Shane Long goal. Hard to believe it was 10 years ago on our way to qualifying for the Euros.
On Thursday that feat was repeated when Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 and Celtic’s Liam Scales played a blinder on the left side of the defence setting up Troy Parrot for the first goal. The celebrations were incredible at full time. To say it was a happy bus going up the road would be an understatement.
On Sunday Ireland have the chance to qualify for the play offs away in Hungary. It’s a massive game for the long suffering fans who follow the team. After the Armenia defeat the campaign looked dead but Ireland now find themselves 90 minutes away from a play off.
Celtic Bhoys Scales and Johnny Kenny are in the travelling Ireland squad and ready to play their part on and off the pitch alongside former Hoops Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston.
COYBIG
Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast
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