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Celtic's first game at home in preparation for the new season saw them pick up their first win.
Not quite the magnificent performance that we all hoped for but not the nightmare that was seen in the previous friendly games either. Certainly progress seems to have been made but this side is far from the finished article. We can only hope that WGS gets in the players he needs (and sends the dissenters packing) in the next week or two. The starting line up included Petrov and Telfer. Most Tims would have preferred to have had these guys replaced. I have nothing against Mr Telfer - the guy is a honest professional but we would all prefer to see Wilson play at right back and have an established left back in the side. The Petrov situation is well documented and although I am hoping for a 'Road to Damascus' situation to hit him it doesn't seem like thats going to happen. The game itself saw Everton have the better chances but that stemmed from Celtic trying to pass the ball into the net. Indeed, until the introduction of McGeady, the team seemed very shot-shy with out most direct player on the pitch being Nakamura. Miller and Magic up front were running into the channels as you would expect but gilt edged chances were few and far between in the first half. It was only in the second half when the game opened up that Celtic looked more threatening. It was my first view of Jarosik and Sno as players and I was fairly impressed. Jarosik was very imposing and used the ball well - one beautiful pass to Wilson on the overlap in the first half reminded me of a certain Celt who was known as 'Maestro'. Sno was also strong, economical with the ball and it was his 1-2 with McGeady in the second half that led to the goal. I can see the kind of football that WGS is trying to play and it will take the team time to gel but its common knowledge amongst the Celtic family were our current deficiencies lie - we can only hope that the players brought in are of the required standard and brought in soon. Player Ratings Boruc - 7
Saved well twice in succession from Johnson. Telfer - 6
Had a decent game, pushed forward but the standard of crossing was hap-hazard. Must be relegated to squad player rather than first team player. Caldwell - 6
Both himself and McManus had a decent afternoon up against players who have England aspirations. Worryingly not as dominant in the air as I would like. Quick use of the ball out of defence.
McManus - 6
Got turned by Johnson in the first half but after that was fairly secure.
Wilson - 7
Had one blip but got through a power of work even when exposed a little in the first half.
Nakamura - 7
Always looking for the ball. Good to see.
Jarosik - 7
Strong, puts himself about and good on the ball. Looks like he'll be a good signing for us.
Petrov - 6
Had his moments. Looked like a player who is just going through the motions at times as well though.
Riordan - 5
Some nice touches but very quiet for most of the time on the pitch. One look at McGeady should show him what he is up against and he'll have to raise his game accordingly.
Miller - 7
Worked hard and had a couple of chances. Ran well off the ball. Once the midfield is firing on all cylinders will get his goals.
Magic - 6
Should have had a penalty and was unlucky that Howard was on top of his game when through. Should pass his total from last season with the service he should get this year.
Subs:- Marshall - 7
A great save from a Simon Davies chance. Sno - 7
Helped set up the goal - was worried by his refusal to go in for too many headers though....
McGeady - 8
Turned the game in Celtic's favour - not the first time he has done that.
Quinn - 6
A great turn that took him away from 3 blue shirts. Make or break season?
Thompson - n/a
Not on long enough but another player that will be leaving soon.
Lawson - n/a
Came on for Telfer. Again not on long enough to make an impression.
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