Aberdeen(A)
Sean McArdle(62)
The support is buzzing with the potential talent of 17-year-old Sean McArdle. He got 14 minutes last night in a 5 v 1 victory at Pittodrie and he’s left quite the impression.
“Boy looks a pler*thumbs up” was the write-up of my old man, “Generational” and “Better than Yamal mate” were amongst other measured appraisals I received from esteemed Celtic supporting mates.
Not to get carried away – I can always delete this - but he looks a bit special. It’s only been 20 minutes in total, but that left foot is no joke; the deftness of touch and weight of passing shown in his two cameos has been pretty striking.
He’s also got the “Personality” Rodgers constantly references when discussing young players. It’s fine having the capability to play a pass but more important is the willingness to try it. McArdle seems comfortable already, taking the ball in the tightest spaces before often, playing first time and round the corner into feet. Precociously confident and precise, the youngster looks a real natural on the ball.
One to watch.
James Forrest(49)
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and that’s fine; new tricks aren’t always necessary.
James Forrest put on a masterclass at Pittodrie last night, running through his 16-season repertoire in a greatest hits-type tour performance. All that was missing was the outside of the foot finish into the bottom corner.
Driving inside, the chops, the flicks, the cut backs, the give-and-goes and through balls were all on display last night from the 33-year-old. The pace isn’t as blistering as it once was but the footballing intelligence is expert-level at this point, as is his touch. He can still straight up smoke his full back, though, and made light work of Graham Shinnie throughout.
It was brilliant to hear his name being sung by the support, and if the footballing Gods do exist, surely he scores on Saturday.
5 Stars.
For the penultimate game of the league season, Brendan Rodgers named as close to a second string as he ever has done, in his time at the club. Only McGregor could be considered a nailed-on starter from the 11 cobbled together, in what was Celtic’s 55th game of the season.
This strange ensemble seemed to work, though, and it made for an enjoyable watch. There was a reminder of players forgotten, brand new players, and some who have been here forever.
There was no lethargy or routine and the midfield 3 looked sharp, rotating eagerly and zipping passes to the eager Yang and classy James Forrest out wide. A real intent and urgency have been found in the last few weeks, at the right time of the season, Celtic are at their ruthless best again.
Five goals scored for the 13th time this season is exceptional and the attacking talent at Rodgers' disposal looks potent, with Maeda, Kuhn, and Idah all on 20-plus goals. 7 players have at least 10.
Johnny Kenny got his first, and it was a great moment for the young Irishman. A smart finish as well; having veered to the front post, Kenny met McCowan’s cross with a strong but well-placed header, low and across the keeper. Textbook.
Next up is St.Mirren(H) on Saturday in our last game of the league season. Trophy day.