My God it's worth it. The man, Shunsuke (or) Nakamura (take your pick from those two approved names- no rubbish, rubbish nicknames so far) was very exciting today- had some of us blinking with excitement at one point where the ball was played in-field to him, and he did
that 'control the ball with your studs, look around, then play a short pass, just to show you're totally in control of what's going on' thing, nearly lobbed the keeper from the corner of the box- he looks like someone we want to have around.Overall- Celtic were good! Yes, I swear!
Brief marks below, because it's late and I'm tired:
Boruc- 6- flapped at a cross, otherwise totally fine and made a great save at the start of the second half.
Telfer- 7- looking good, very positive going forward, solid at the back. Still a wee bit slow.
Balde- 7- Solid, no nonsense, no mistakes- that's all he needs to do. [UPDATE- see here for the latest rumours about him going to Marseille (he was spotted at Glasgow Airport this morning, apparently), presumably meaning that Du Wei will come in for him. Also, Adam Virgo said he was aiming to be fit for the falkirk game next week.]
McManus- 6- Good, solid again, hopefully getting more comfortable.
Camara- 6- as the other night, looks a bit shaky, but is totally committed to bombing forward- could cause problems at Ibrox.
Thompson- 7- looked ok- still not there 100%, but is definitely approaching it. Did a lot of good defensive work which gets him a 7.
Lennon- 6- Was there, did his job, may he get 6's all season...
Petrov- 7- Maybe an 8, very energetic, seemed to be there all the time, and, without wanting to speculate too much, he looked to be enjoying the challenge of having to contend with another star at the club.
Nakamura- 9- nearly left him to the end. Looked great on the ball, had the knack of switching the play suddenly (great vision), and did the other stuff which I described in the first paragraph. Also was given a totally free role, which makes me like Strachan a bit more...
Zurawski- 5- Went clean through, didn't score, after a great ball from Nakamura. I hope he just needs a goal- looks a bit uncomfortable still: oh for three goals in ten minutes at Ibrox to settle the nerves.
Hartson- 8- Again looked energetic, deadly, took a good goal, maybe should have had another. Maybe I got him wrong, or rather, maybe I chose right for my fantasy football team...
Maloney- Really excellent- got an ovation that would restore Tebilly's confidence, and put in a most beautiful ball for Beattie's goal.
Beattie- Like Maloney, must be raging that he's not starting, but actually must also, like Maloney, be delighted that he continues to make a difference when he comes on. People are beginning look at him and Maloney as real answers.
Also, both Maloney and Nakamura asked me to ask you if you liked this song- it may take a wee while to download- they both love it, do be nice... Let me know if you can download it ok- it'll take about 30 seconds if you follow instructions, hopefully.
One last thing- my wife loves you, but get your team registered in the Walking on Snow Fantasy Football League...
