New Year resolution

Since the turn of the year, with unforeseen circumstances giving us only two fixtures played, there seems to be staleness in Celtic's performances. Not short of enthusiasm or work rate, but again a lack of cutting edge giving us too few goal giving opportunities particularly considering the possession statistics in both 2008's games. Even the season's outstanding player Aiden McGeady couldn’t cut Stirling Albion open with the same panache that he has done to far greater defences this term.

Obviously there are many extenuating reasons why Celtic have not played close to their optimum. Having not played the players may have struggled to get back into their stride, although you would think the two weeks break would have been a rest that may have benefited and increased energy in the players performances. But it seems to be that final break through the opposition defence that is missing in Celtic's build up play. Perhaps the opposition, a lower league Stirling, and an injury hit Kilmarnock may have accepted Celtic Park as sheer damage limitation, but again I am not convinced. Although neither played what you would call adventurous football, they were hardly a 5-5-0 type formations to deal with.

In four games without conceding a goal and resulting victorious in all of them, I am sure Gordon Strachan will be reasonably content, but football fans increasingly concern themselves with the manner of victories as an indicator of form and future performances. Regardless of the managers defence of his team, Celtic are not setting the heather alight currently, and hope McGeady's return after his Kilmarnock suspension, allied with match sharpness of Nakamura and those around them, will breath fresh life into Celtic.

Boruc, McDonald, and McGeady cannot continue to win games alone if Celtic hold out league winning ambitions. There are several others expected, and needed to step up to the plate....

Celtic 1 - Kilmarnock 0

Celtic 1 - Kilmarnock 0

With Hartley in for the suspended in-form winger McGeady, Celtic lined up in a familiar looking 442 system. However within 15 minutes Gordon Strachan’s plans were up in air with injuries to new full back Andreas Hinkel, and Dutchman Venegoor of Hesselink, with attacking pair Riordan and Killen the substitutes brought on. Hinkel seemed to have pulled something in his upper leg, and while he seemed mobile enough the Celtic manager obviously was taking no chances. He was withdrawn alongside Hesselink who had a nasty forehead gash after a challenge with Simon Ford.

With Hartley covering the right back role again, Riordan had the benefit of the wide left midfield, and Killen a straight swap for Hesselink. The changes seemed to encourage Celtic into a more open style of football, with everyone looking forward when possible. However, untidy passing, poor touches, and obvious moment were giving possession to Kilmarnock far more than the home side would have liked. Donati showed glimpses of his class, but alongside Brown again failed to dominate in an offensive manner in the manner hoped by Celtic. On the occasions Nakamura linked up with Donati, Brown, or when he switched wings for a spell, Celtic looked dangerous. Riordan almost took advantage twice, firstly a stylish chip after some neat control saw the ball almost glide over Combe who managed to flick the ball over the bar, and the second chance where Riordan drove forward and smashed a left foot shot towards goal which the keeper saved well. Despite possession and endeavour, Celtic created very few goal-scoring chances throughout the ninety minutes.

The second half was a duller affair with a low drive by Scott Brown, propelled into the net by a Martyn Corrigan own goal, who feared the onrushing Killen would break his home duck at Celtic Park. A couple of smart Combe stops aside, the only other talking point was the penalty claim by McDonald, which looked cruelly turned down by the Mosspark preacher Mike McCurry. The Australian seemed to have been felled as his run saw him flying by two Kilmarnock defenders and crash to the ground about 8 yards from the away goal, however, the diminutive striker had to make do with a yellow card instead of the more appealing spot kick.

Many happy returns

Celtic 3 Stirling Albion 0

Two goals in the last 25 minutes gave a pretty resounding scorline in a game that gave Nakamura's return to the team after injury. He did so scoring Celtic's third goal in style with ten minutes remaining.

A Hesselink diving header broke the deadlock after 35 minutes from McGeadys timed cross which looked to open the flood gates, however it never really materialised as Celtic seemed unable to show the gulf in class in the manner they would have liked. McDonald and Nakamura's finishes, in the end showed Stirling why themselves and Celtic are literally leagues apart

Celtic 3 - Gretna 0

A Decent Celtic performance. Good work involving McGeady, Hesselink McDonald give the Australian striker a chance to get his shot away to score the first. A brilliant pass and move from Brown to Donati, the Italian rolling the ball behind him to the onrushing Brown who finished with aplomb. Scott Brown really should be showing this ability more often. McGeady rounding off the game with an identical goal to his strike at home to Benfica in November. Riordan in a rare start showed his frustration when storming down the tunnel when he was taken off in the second half.

Sadly the day will be remembered for the death of Motherwell captain and ex-Celtic midfielder Phil O'Donnell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEbTdy_Wz2U

Bobo's Boxing Day return

Dundee Utd 0 - Celtic 2

The return of Bobo Balde coincides with a return to away clean sheets. Hesselink looks sharper, he and McManus picking up a goal a piece.