A quick look at social media tells me that not everybody could log in and get access to Celtics first game on the Virtual season ticket streaming service. I had no problems, I logged on the 12:30, there was music playing as I waited for the coverage to start. Gerry hosted the coverage with Darren O’ Dea and John Hartson, Big John also doubled up as co-commentator.
Celtic were comfortable for most of the game switching off mid way through the second half for a few minutes which gave Scott Bain something to think about when he was called into action and had to make a few saves. Celtic should have scored a few more and had plenty of chances.
The squad is not at it’s strongest just now and lets hope that Greg Taylor who hobbled off injured can recover in time for next Sundays SPFL kick off against Hamilton. Mo Elyounoussi is the only signing in on another loan deal while Eboue Kouassi (Genk, £1.35m); Craig Gordon (Hearts); Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen); Jozo Simunovic, Calvin Miller, Jack Hendry (Oostende, loan), Fraser Forster (Southampton, loan ended); Daniel Arzani (Manchester City, loan ended); Moritz Bauer (Stoke City, loan ended) have all exited the Celtic Park building.
Scott Bain needs competition for the starting place, the Central defence pair of Jullien and Ajer have no one pushing them for a start and French Eddie has no competition upfront. Griff is still not fit and Kilmala remains a future project.
Yesterday marked 23 years since the greatest striker I ever had the pleasure to watch in the hoops jersey, Henrik Larrson joined Celtic. During his time at the club he had quality striking partners and plenty of back up. Hartson, Sutton, Maloney to name 3. Competition is healthy and with the importance of this season we need to get quality in for the season ahead in Scotland and Europe.
Fans will have a chance again tomorrow to log on when a second choice Celtic team are expected to line up against Hibs and 1:30pm. Lets hope everyone can have a better experience of the Virtual season tickets.
Heads up, reboot your internet before logging on and check the strength of your broadband in plenty of time before game kicks off.
Andrew Milne started More than 90 Minutes in 2001. He has written for numerous publications and online about Celtic. He is a former newspaper columnist with the Daily Ireland and the man behind celticfanzine.com. He is host of the Celtic Soul Podcast & Celtic AM pre-match events at Malone’s in Glasgow on match days and follows Celtic Home & Away. He is a season ticket holder for Celtic FC and the Republic of Ireland. He is also P.R.O. of St. Margaret’s CSC, a member of the Celtic Trust and the Celtic Graves Association.
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