AS AN indicator of Celtic's prospects for the new season, a largely lifeless prep match with Manchester City last night seemed about as reliable as a one-handed watch.
Gordon Strachan used the occasion as an opportunity to try some younger players, with forward Paul McGowan scoring a late goal – a glancing header from Paul Caddis' free-kick – that capped a very acceptable performance.
That strike equalised the
goal from Martin Petrov that had put City ahead early in the second half. But the lack of urgency that pervaded the pitch applied also to Celtic supporters who appeared to be more interested in events elsewhere.
It was utterly predictable that Rangers would take the role of warm-up comic for an audience readily receptive to gloating over their great rivals' elimination from Europe the night before. "Let's all laugh at Rangers," sang the home crowd, clearly impervious to the possibility of any mishaps that may befall their own team on the night.
This was quite understandable, since this was not only a relatively meaningless friendly, but one which featured a Celtic side that bore little resemblance to the one that is likely to open the defence of their title against St Mirren on Sunday.
The occasion, however, would hold much significance for central defenders Darren O'Dea and Scott Cuthbert and striker McGowan, all youngsters trying to promote their candidature for regular consideration for the first team. As for Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan – unless as a come-on to prospective shoppers – their inclusion would probably mystify the majority, both having been assured by Strachan that they are unlikely to figure in the future.
The conditions were hardly conducive to fulfilment of the novices' ambitions, the drenching rain that had descended throughout the day leaving the playing surface wet and slick. In the circumstances, all three of the younger players deserved credit. Cuthbert for most of the time looked assured, although he did cause a scare when his attempt to intercept a low cross from Petrov simply deflected the ball past the waiting Artur Boruc and wide of the far post.
"We brought on pace, energy, ability with the kids," said Strachan. "They lifted the crowd and lifted me, so one or two can be pleased with themselves."
McGowan was a lively presence alongside Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, displaying all the commitment one would expect, although the match for long periods was so closely contested that the forwards were given little opportunity to excel.
Indeed, a full 37 minutes would pass before Riordan, having received a crossfield pass from Gravesen, produced Celtic's first scoring attempt. His low, raking drive from 25 yards skidded wide of Joe Hart's right-hand post.
Gravesen was removed at half-time, replaced by Caddis, who went to right-back as Andreas Hinkel moved forward to the right of midfield. Simultaneously, Georgios Samaras replaced Vennegoor of Hesselink. But it was a change made by Mark Hughes, the City manager, that brought separation in the form of the goal from Petrov. Darius Vassell turned the ball on his chest to Danny Sturridge, who had come on at the start of the second half. He quickly took control, and played a perfect pass to Petrov in the inside-left position. The Bulgarian provided a terrific finish, sending the ball low past Boruc from eight yards. It was no more than the Premiership side deserved, after their more frequent forward charges.
Vassell, indeed, should have opened the scoring a few minutes before, when Petrov's perceptive pass released him into the left side of the penalty area with only Boruc in his way. The big goalkeeper, however, moved quickly to make the block.
Paddy McCourt and the teenager, Mark Millar, replaced Riordan and Paul Hartley, and McCourt's first touch in a Celtic shirt resulted in a wild volley from a long cross by Caddis.
Until McGowan's late strike, it was one of very few threatening moments the Scottish champions produced on a night when most of their players' minds seemed to be on other things.
Celtic Boruc, Hinkel, Cuthbert, O'Dea, Naylor, Gravesen (Caddis 46), Hartley (Millar 62), Donati, Riordan (McCourt 62), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 46), McGowan. Subs not used: Brown, Caldwell, Conroy, McDonald
Manchester City: Hart (Schmeichel 46), Corluka (Onuha 46), Richards (Ben Haim 46), Dunne, Garrido, Johnson, Petrov, Fernandes, Etuhu (Ireland 74); Vassell (Evans 76), Bojinov (Sturridge 46). Subs not used: Ball.
Celtic will play Reading at the end of the season in a testimonial for Royals captain and Scotland international Graeme Murty.
The full article contains 763 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
