A Stumble At Parkhead

The Bhoys' Lack Of Proficiency In Front Of Dundee's Goal Takes The Pressure Of Rangers

By Tony Quinn

Celtic failed to put pressure on leaders Rangers after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Dundee United at Parkhead last Wednesday night. Shunsuke Nakamura and Scott McDonald hit the woodwork in the first half before United midfielder Craig Conway missed a sitter from six yards out when he headed over with only Artur Boruc to beat. The Hoops dominated the second half but could not find a way past a resolute Tannadice defense. The jeers rang out around Celtic Park at the final whistle.

Celtic have expressed their disappointment that the SPL match with Motherwell on Saturday last was postponed for a second time due to the state of the Fir Park pitch. The Lanarkshire club had asked for a precautionary pitch inspection on Friday afternoon following heavy rain and it would appear their worst fears were realized on Saturday morning when that planned inspection took place at 9 am. The verdict of a waterlogged pitch is a recurring theme. The match was initially re-scheduled for 30 January following the death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell at the end of December, but that was called off with less than an hour to go before the evening kick off.

Motherwell and Celtic have announced that Parkhead is to stage a fund-raising tribute match to the late Phil O'Donnell. Following recent discussions between Celtic and Motherwell and Phil's family, the match will take place on Sunday, 25th May 2008. Proceeds from the match will go towards the Phil O'Donnell Trust as well as a range of charitable organizations. Members of Motherwell's 1991 Scottish Cup winning side will play Celtic's famous 1998 League winning team in a tribute to Phil, who played for both Clubs.

Gordon Strachan believes the SPL should use the current crisis surrounding Gretna to re-brand and revamp their product. "I keep saying that to promote the game we have to give the people outside Scotland the best," he said. "We want more sponsorship and to get people thinking highly of the league. Aberdeen, Rangers and ourselves have done well in Europe, but some games are shown live to the world with nobody in the stadium - it's not the best." Gretna went into administration last Wednesday. Strachan, alluding to Gretna's last game against Dundee United at Fir Park which attracted just 501 fans, challenged the SPL to consider the future of top-flight football in Scotland.

Weekend newspaper reports say Harry Kewell, who has been tipped to leave Anfield at the end of the season, could be joining Celtic on a free transfer. The winger's contract is ending this summer and Benitez has given hints that he may not be offering him any new contracts. "I have given him permission [to play for Australia] because he was not playing for us at the moment. So it is positive for him and his national team that he plays for them." said the Spaniard. "The contract will be more difficult for him, if he plays well for Australia and comes back fit he could have a part to play at the end of the season. But his situation could become more difficult. I will make a decision at the end of the season." he added.

Shunsuke Nakamura admits he's unsure of his future at Celtic. His hometown club, Yokohama Marinos, are keen to sign him but there has been a surprising lack of movement from Celtic to trigger the extension in his current deal. "I will be here until Peter Lawwell says he doesn't need me," the Japan star said. "My contract finishes in the summer and the club has the option of keeping me for another year. I'm not sure if they will."