McCourt has been excellent in the eircom league for derry for a number of years and has been very unlucky with injuries over the sea, but I hope he can now have a good run in the team, as I think he will be a great addition to the Celtic team
Glasgow Celtic Supporters Thread
- Thread starter noelyf
- Start date
McCourt has been excellent in the eircom league for derry for a number of years and has been very unlucky with injuries over the sea, but I hope he can now have a good run in the team, as I think he will be a great addition to the Celtic team
noelyf
VIP Member
McGinn praise for goalscorer McCourt
Niall McGinn and Peter Grant lavished praise on the mercurial Paddy McCourt, who thrilled Celtic fans with his first goal for the club in Wednesday night's Co-Operative Insurance Cup win at Falkirk that set up a quarter-final tie with Hearts.
Northern Ireland international McCourt has enjoyed rave reviews for his performances in the reserves since signing from Derry City last summer and in his first competitive 90 minutes in a Hoops shirt at the Falkirk stadium, he went some way to justify the hype with a fine solo goal in the 4-0 rout.
McGinn, who followed McCourt over from Derry in January, insists his fellow countryman is 'a bit special'.
The Hoops' winger said: 'It was good that Paddy got 90 minutes at Falkirk and he showed the fans what he could do.
'Paddy is a bit special, he gets the ball deep and runs at defenders and his close control is unbelievable.
'It's obviously good having a player like that in the team because it's something you don't really find too often.
'Now he has had a good pre-season under his belt and his fitness is looking better.
'After he left Derry City, it was hard for him to get fit but he showed over the last few months what he can do and in reserve games last season he was brilliant to play with.
'In training, you can see his talent and against Falkirk he showed what he can do.'
Celtic coach Grant admits McCourt needs to add to his work-rate off the ball but insists the Irishman will only have himself to blame if he does not make a big impact at Parkhead.
He said: 'He's a wonderful talent; there's no doubt of that.
'He can carve chances for himself, he can create them for others, and he does it consistently well.
'People will always question what he's not got, but you always like to look at the positives.
'He can get by players and he proved that, even in the Wembley tournament against top-quality players - and that's no disrespect to the Falkirk boys.
'There's no doubt he's got a tremendous ability and there's not a lot of people like him.
'Hopefully, he'll have a big part to play with the talent he has.
'If he doesn't, he should be asking questions of himself.'
McGinn declared himself ready to stand in for Aiden McGeady, who picked up an ankle knock at Falkirk and could be doubtful for the Old Firm clash with Rangers on Sunday week, which comes after a Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at St Mirren on Saturday and a Europa League match against Rapid Vienna next Thursday.
McGinn said: 'It doesn't look like Aiden will be playing this weekend but I think he is going to be fit for the Old Firm game.
'But if he is not fit for this weekend or next weekend, hopefully the manager has the faith to play me.
'If he doesn't then hopefully I am in the squad.
'I am just looking forward to it, everything is going well and long may it continue.
'My confidence is high and the manager had been pleased with me.
'Any chance I get again, I will be ready.'
RTÉ Sport: McGinn praise for goalscorer McCourt
Niall McGinn and Peter Grant lavished praise on the mercurial Paddy McCourt, who thrilled Celtic fans with his first goal for the club in Wednesday night's Co-Operative Insurance Cup win at Falkirk that set up a quarter-final tie with Hearts.
Northern Ireland international McCourt has enjoyed rave reviews for his performances in the reserves since signing from Derry City last summer and in his first competitive 90 minutes in a Hoops shirt at the Falkirk stadium, he went some way to justify the hype with a fine solo goal in the 4-0 rout.
McGinn, who followed McCourt over from Derry in January, insists his fellow countryman is 'a bit special'.
The Hoops' winger said: 'It was good that Paddy got 90 minutes at Falkirk and he showed the fans what he could do.
'Paddy is a bit special, he gets the ball deep and runs at defenders and his close control is unbelievable.
'It's obviously good having a player like that in the team because it's something you don't really find too often.
'Now he has had a good pre-season under his belt and his fitness is looking better.
'After he left Derry City, it was hard for him to get fit but he showed over the last few months what he can do and in reserve games last season he was brilliant to play with.
'In training, you can see his talent and against Falkirk he showed what he can do.'
Celtic coach Grant admits McCourt needs to add to his work-rate off the ball but insists the Irishman will only have himself to blame if he does not make a big impact at Parkhead.
He said: 'He's a wonderful talent; there's no doubt of that.
'He can carve chances for himself, he can create them for others, and he does it consistently well.
'People will always question what he's not got, but you always like to look at the positives.
'He can get by players and he proved that, even in the Wembley tournament against top-quality players - and that's no disrespect to the Falkirk boys.
'There's no doubt he's got a tremendous ability and there's not a lot of people like him.
'Hopefully, he'll have a big part to play with the talent he has.
'If he doesn't, he should be asking questions of himself.'
McGinn declared himself ready to stand in for Aiden McGeady, who picked up an ankle knock at Falkirk and could be doubtful for the Old Firm clash with Rangers on Sunday week, which comes after a Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at St Mirren on Saturday and a Europa League match against Rapid Vienna next Thursday.
McGinn said: 'It doesn't look like Aiden will be playing this weekend but I think he is going to be fit for the Old Firm game.
'But if he is not fit for this weekend or next weekend, hopefully the manager has the faith to play me.
'If he doesn't then hopefully I am in the squad.
'I am just looking forward to it, everything is going well and long may it continue.
'My confidence is high and the manager had been pleased with me.
'Any chance I get again, I will be ready.'
RTÉ Sport: McGinn praise for goalscorer McCourt
noelyf
VIP Member
Celtic Complete Zheng Zhi Signing
ZZ Delighted To Be At Paradise
Paul Cuddihy
CHINESE internationalist Zheng Zhi was officially unveiled as a Celtic player today and he is eagerly looking forward to playing for the Hoops for the first time.
While that won’t come in tomorrow’s SPL game against St Mirren, the player known as ‘ZZ’ has already trained with his new team-mates and he’ll be working hard to get his level of fitness up so that he can try and push his way into Tony Mowbray’s first-team squad.
“Celtic is a huge football club and I’m delighted to be here,” Zheng Zhi said. “And I’m looking forward to working with the manager. I can play in a few positions but it’s up to the manager where he wants me to play. I feel good although I need some more fitness work.
“Celtic are one of the top sides in European football and I had heard about them when I was in China, and I hope there will be more and more Chinese fans and local Scottish fans who’ll support me and the club.
“When I heard that there was a chance for me to join Celtic, I jumped at it. It’s the perfect move for me at this stage of my career. I was at Charlton for a few years, but this is the perfect next step for me, and the reaction to the news back in China has been unbelievable.”
Tony Mowbray had tried to sign ZZ when he was manager of West Brom and the player was at Charlton. And the Celtic manager is delighted to have now got his man for Celtic.
“He brings versatility which is one of the main reasons he’s here,” the Hoops boss explained. “He played for Charlton against my West Brom side and he was always their most effective player, playing either behind the striker or a holding midfielder, or even a wide player.
“He’s a good footballer and I’ve said from day one that I like good footballers and he fits very much into that category.
“He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet. He can see a pass, he can play a pass and he can manipulate the ball. I want him to come and enjoy his football. I tried to sign him when I was at West Brom so he understands that I respect him as a football player.
“He’s got to get himself fit and up to speed, get in the team and enjoy his football. He’s here to hopefully enjoy being part of a successful Celtic team.”
ZZ delighted to be at Paradise
ZZ Delighted To Be At Paradise
Paul Cuddihy
CHINESE internationalist Zheng Zhi was officially unveiled as a Celtic player today and he is eagerly looking forward to playing for the Hoops for the first time.
While that won’t come in tomorrow’s SPL game against St Mirren, the player known as ‘ZZ’ has already trained with his new team-mates and he’ll be working hard to get his level of fitness up so that he can try and push his way into Tony Mowbray’s first-team squad.
“Celtic is a huge football club and I’m delighted to be here,” Zheng Zhi said. “And I’m looking forward to working with the manager. I can play in a few positions but it’s up to the manager where he wants me to play. I feel good although I need some more fitness work.
“Celtic are one of the top sides in European football and I had heard about them when I was in China, and I hope there will be more and more Chinese fans and local Scottish fans who’ll support me and the club.
“When I heard that there was a chance for me to join Celtic, I jumped at it. It’s the perfect move for me at this stage of my career. I was at Charlton for a few years, but this is the perfect next step for me, and the reaction to the news back in China has been unbelievable.”
Tony Mowbray had tried to sign ZZ when he was manager of West Brom and the player was at Charlton. And the Celtic manager is delighted to have now got his man for Celtic.
“He brings versatility which is one of the main reasons he’s here,” the Hoops boss explained. “He played for Charlton against my West Brom side and he was always their most effective player, playing either behind the striker or a holding midfielder, or even a wide player.
“He’s a good footballer and I’ve said from day one that I like good footballers and he fits very much into that category.
“He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet. He can see a pass, he can play a pass and he can manipulate the ball. I want him to come and enjoy his football. I tried to sign him when I was at West Brom so he understands that I respect him as a football player.
“He’s got to get himself fit and up to speed, get in the team and enjoy his football. He’s here to hopefully enjoy being part of a successful Celtic team.”
ZZ delighted to be at Paradise
Nice win today Noely👍Hope the Chinese guy settles in
noelyf
VIP Member
Mccourt sparkles again as celts win.
It may not have been a classic performance, but Celtic dug in and took all three points at the St Mirren Stadium with a hard-fought 2-0 win.
With the home side working hard throughout the game, something extraordinary was needed and, for the second game in a row, Paddy McCourt delivered, beating no fewer than five men before rifling home.
Then, late in the game, Shaun Maloney curled home effectively sealed the win and deflated the opposition with an exquisite finish that keeps Celtic in pole position ahead of next week’s derby at Ibrox.
McCourt kept his place after his midweek master-class, with club captain Stephen McManus in the centre of defence with Glenn Loovens. Gary Caldwell was on the bench.
There was a cagey start to this match, with both teams struggling to find quality in their final ball and showing the occasional flicker of hesitation at the back.
Celtic were the ones enjoying the bulk of possession, pressing forward and creating a couple of early chances, the first of which was lifted over by Chris Killen in the opening minute.
They continued to huff and puff, trying to find their way through a hard-working defence and midfield, but it should perhaps come as no surprise that it was McCourt who held the key to the door.
With the half-hour mark approaching, Scott Brown cut out a ball in the centre of midfield and played it to the Irishman, who set off on a run straight through the heart of the St Mirren defence.
Skipping over the first challenge, he then stepped past the next man, before easing himself through a cluster of defenders and into the penalty box. His touch looked like it had carried him wide, but he took another and, almost from the byline, drove the ball back across the face of goal and into the far corner.
It was a wonderful run and brilliant finish from a player who looks capable of producing the spectacular every time he takes possession.
Six minutes later Celtic came close to doubling their lead after two chances that followed a lightning quick counter-attack.
The move started with a lazy free-kick from Garry Brady on the edge of the box. With the home side cheaply giving away possession, Celtic then raced up the park and came close with two chances, the first inspired by a low cross from McCourt and the second, a long-range attempt by Andy Hinkel that had Paul Gallacher scrambling to his post.
This helped pick up the pace in the lead up to half time, though Celtic’s forays forward broke down too often, while Billy Mehmet saw a curling shot from the edge of the area deflected wide.
The game continued in a similar vein after the interval as Celtic pursued a second goal, with St Mirren sticking doggedly to the task in defence.
Then, around the hour mark, with the home side edging further up the park, Gus McPherson made a positive substitution, bringing on last season’s top scoring midfielder, Andy Dorman and attacker Tom Brighton.
They then began to threaten, with Artur Boruc collecting the ball six yards out as Dorman looked to get on the end of a chip into the box.
The introduction of Niall McGinn for McCourt gave Celtic fresh legs and fresh impetus, with fellow substitute Georgios Samaras hitting a promising chance over the bar.
But seconds later it was St Mirren who threatened again as Boruc dashed out to meet the run of Dorman but failed to snuff out his cutback, the Celtic defence then recovered with Hinkel sweeping the ball away.
Then, with 12 minutes remaining and McGinn breaking up an attempted counter-attack on the halfway line, Celtic finally got the second goal that put the result beyond doubt.
Racing forward, Maloney hit a shot from the left that Paul Gallacher did well to parry. The ball was then hooked away, but Scott Brown got there first and swung the ball in to the back post, where McDonald won the flick-on.
Maloney then took possession again and, looking up, curled an excellent finish beyond the fingertips of Gallacher and into the corner of the net.
This goal snatched even the faintest glimmer of hope of taking anything from the game from St Mirren and Celtic saw out the game with ease, with McDonald missing a glorious chance to make it three and McGinn curling a shot wide with the last kick of the ball.
The three points maintains Celtic’s place at the summit of the table and keeps morale high ahead of this Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna and next Sunday’s game against Rangers.
McCourt sparkles again as Celts win
It may not have been a classic performance, but Celtic dug in and took all three points at the St Mirren Stadium with a hard-fought 2-0 win.
With the home side working hard throughout the game, something extraordinary was needed and, for the second game in a row, Paddy McCourt delivered, beating no fewer than five men before rifling home.
Then, late in the game, Shaun Maloney curled home effectively sealed the win and deflated the opposition with an exquisite finish that keeps Celtic in pole position ahead of next week’s derby at Ibrox.
McCourt kept his place after his midweek master-class, with club captain Stephen McManus in the centre of defence with Glenn Loovens. Gary Caldwell was on the bench.
There was a cagey start to this match, with both teams struggling to find quality in their final ball and showing the occasional flicker of hesitation at the back.
Celtic were the ones enjoying the bulk of possession, pressing forward and creating a couple of early chances, the first of which was lifted over by Chris Killen in the opening minute.
They continued to huff and puff, trying to find their way through a hard-working defence and midfield, but it should perhaps come as no surprise that it was McCourt who held the key to the door.
With the half-hour mark approaching, Scott Brown cut out a ball in the centre of midfield and played it to the Irishman, who set off on a run straight through the heart of the St Mirren defence.
Skipping over the first challenge, he then stepped past the next man, before easing himself through a cluster of defenders and into the penalty box. His touch looked like it had carried him wide, but he took another and, almost from the byline, drove the ball back across the face of goal and into the far corner.
It was a wonderful run and brilliant finish from a player who looks capable of producing the spectacular every time he takes possession.
Six minutes later Celtic came close to doubling their lead after two chances that followed a lightning quick counter-attack.
The move started with a lazy free-kick from Garry Brady on the edge of the box. With the home side cheaply giving away possession, Celtic then raced up the park and came close with two chances, the first inspired by a low cross from McCourt and the second, a long-range attempt by Andy Hinkel that had Paul Gallacher scrambling to his post.
This helped pick up the pace in the lead up to half time, though Celtic’s forays forward broke down too often, while Billy Mehmet saw a curling shot from the edge of the area deflected wide.
The game continued in a similar vein after the interval as Celtic pursued a second goal, with St Mirren sticking doggedly to the task in defence.
Then, around the hour mark, with the home side edging further up the park, Gus McPherson made a positive substitution, bringing on last season’s top scoring midfielder, Andy Dorman and attacker Tom Brighton.
They then began to threaten, with Artur Boruc collecting the ball six yards out as Dorman looked to get on the end of a chip into the box.
The introduction of Niall McGinn for McCourt gave Celtic fresh legs and fresh impetus, with fellow substitute Georgios Samaras hitting a promising chance over the bar.
But seconds later it was St Mirren who threatened again as Boruc dashed out to meet the run of Dorman but failed to snuff out his cutback, the Celtic defence then recovered with Hinkel sweeping the ball away.
Then, with 12 minutes remaining and McGinn breaking up an attempted counter-attack on the halfway line, Celtic finally got the second goal that put the result beyond doubt.
Racing forward, Maloney hit a shot from the left that Paul Gallacher did well to parry. The ball was then hooked away, but Scott Brown got there first and swung the ball in to the back post, where McDonald won the flick-on.
Maloney then took possession again and, looking up, curled an excellent finish beyond the fingertips of Gallacher and into the corner of the net.
This goal snatched even the faintest glimmer of hope of taking anything from the game from St Mirren and Celtic saw out the game with ease, with McDonald missing a glorious chance to make it three and McGinn curling a shot wide with the last kick of the ball.
The three points maintains Celtic’s place at the summit of the table and keeps morale high ahead of this Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna and next Sunday’s game against Rangers.
McCourt sparkles again as Celts win
noelyf
VIP Member
Fans will show why they're the best in Europe
CELTIC take on Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday, October 1 and the club believes that it will once again confirm Celtic Park as a unique arena for football and Celtic supporters as the best in Europe.
There has been much media hype surrounding the match, particularly in relation to the last meeting between the sides in 1984, but as far as the club and supporters’ groups are concerned, the focus is solely on this week’s tie.
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Clearly, everyone at the club is looking forward to the match against Rapid Vienna and we are sure we will witness another great European occasion at Celtic Park.
“Given the events of 25 years ago, it was inevitable that there would be great hype and profile surrounding such a fixture.
“Much has been said about the events of 1984, but as a club in 2009, all we are focusing on is what happens on the pitch on Thursday evening, as we try to progress in our Europa League group.
“As is always the case, we expect the Celtic supporters to come in their numbers, get right behind Tony and the team and on a European stage, once again demonstrate all that is good about Celtic.
“Our supporters have an enviable reputation for backing the club in a positive manner which has drawn praise throughout the game. We are sure that once again, football will witness the fantastic support which the team has come to enjoy on the European stage.”
And Celtic supporters’ groups are also looking forward to this week’s tie. Joe O'Rourke of the Celtic Supporters’ Association said: “We are now in a new competition that’s there to be won.
“Our home record in the last decade is the envy of most clubs in Europe; as is the reputation of our fans, so come Thursday night we need to get behind the team in the way only the Celtic fans know how to.
“We need to create an atmosphere that will lift our team and demoralise the opposition, let’s once again let the whole of Europe hear the best fans in the world support their team both loud and proud.”
And Mick Dinning of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters’ Clubs added: "We will be right behind Tony Mowbray and the players in the UEFA Europa League game on Thursday’s evening against Rapid Vienna at Celtic Park.
“We all know about 1984, but we hope to eradicate the match from our memories against Rapid Vienna from 25 years ago when we lost out in the replay.
“2009 is a different match and a different competition and we want to show Europe once again how to support your team. As ever we will encourage all our supporters to back the team the right way, the Celtic way.
“We aks the fans to come out in their numbers and we are sure all fans attending the match will offer the Bhoys the full encouragement they deserve for this very important fixture. “
Fans will show why they're the best in Europe
---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
The Victory that never was.
Celtic 3 - 0 Rapid Vienna
For Celtic it could have been a great European victory; for now stv.tv brings you the goals from their infamous home tie against Rapid Vienna in 1984 - the match that never was.
The Parkhead side had found itself trailing 3-1 after the first leg of the Cup Winners’ Cup fixture but should have clinched their place in the next round thanks to a commanding 3-0 performance. Goals came courtesy of club legends Brian McClair, Murdo McLeod and Tommy Burns.
However, tempers flared thanks to the contentious last strike, when Burns legitimately challenged keeper Rudolf Weinhofer to slot the ball into an empty net, a goal which should have sent his side through.
There was an element of revenge afterwards when the goalie later appeared to kick Burns while coming for the ball, with Reinhard Kienast also sent off for a blatant swipe at the late Celtic manager.
Weinhofer then went down poleaxed, claiming he’d been hit by a bottle thrown by a member of the Parkhead crowd. Despite TV cameras later showing he hadn’t been struck, the overall fracas saw Uefa schedule a rematch at Old Trafford.
Celtic lost that encounter 1-0, a result made worse when a fan attacked Rapid’s keeper, Herbert Feurer. The Parkhead side were fined £17,000 and ordered to play their next home European game behind closed doors.
It was an unfortunate end, especially given the performance of Celtic in their initial home victory. The first goal was of the highest class, starting off with a marvellous Paul McStay pass, and ending with a fantastic finish from future Manchester United forward Brian McClair.
The second came at the end of the first half, when Burns challenged with a header inside the box. After a poor clearance from the Vienna defence, Murdo McLeod drilled the ball low into the net from the edge of the box. Burns then added his own disputed effort, but in the end it just wasn’t to be.
Celtic: the European victory that never was | Football | STV Sport
---------- Post added at 08:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:10 PM ----------
Rapid Vienna will wear a red strip for the match. The first time they`ve worn them since that game in 1984. A tactic by the Vienna manager.
RAPID MAKE CELTIC SEE RED
Rapid Vienna will wear red next week
RAPID VIENNA plan to leave bitter Celtic punters seeing red next week- with a brazen choice of Europa League kit.
Celtic face their old Austrian foes next week for the first time since a notorious European scrap in 1984.
That two-legged tie was tainted by bottle-throwing, cheat allegations and crowd trouble and had to be settled by a third clash at neutral Old Trafford on the orders of UEFA.
However - despite public pleas for bygones to be bygones - the Austrians have struck upon a cheeky tactic designed to wind-up Celtic and inspire their own stars 25 years on.
For the FIRST time since that controversial win against Celtic on December 12, 1984 in Manchester, Rapid will wear a red kit for next week's Parkhead clash.
It's a deliberate stunt by the Austrians and one which has been sanctioned by gaffer Peter Pacult.
Pacult netted the winner for Rapid in the controversial third game and was later attacked by a violent Celtic punter as the teams left the Old Trafford pitch.
A Rapid insider revealed: "That game against Celtic in 1984 is one of the most incredible episodes in Rapid's history and the red kit has gone down in legend along with Pacult's winner.
"Incredibly, Rapid have not worn that kit since, but the plan is to wear it next week in Glasgow.
"By wearing red it will give the current team a massive psychological lift and evoke memories of that triumph.
"The players will wear the jersey with pride knowing that this was the shirt worn by Pacult and his team-mates all these years ago when Rapid defied the odds at Old Trafford."
Rapid normally play in green and white vertical stripes and have played in blue or an all-white change kits over the years.
The shock choice of a red kit has gone down well with the current players who have been stunned at the level of bitterness surrounding the two clubs a quarter of a century after the event.
In 1984, Celtic thought they had cruised into the last eight of the Cup winners Cup after overturning a first-leg defeat with a 3-0 Parkhead win.
However, in the dying stages of the game Rapid player Rudi Weinhofer collapsed to the turf and claimed he had been struck by a bottle thrown from the "Jungle."
Celtic were adamant that the player feigned injury to spark an inquest and were stunned when later fined by UEFA and ordered to replay the match in England.
Pacult scored the only goal of the replayed tie to send Rapid through and leave Celtic fans and players of the time feeling cheated out of a win.
Daily Express | Sport | Football
---------- Post added at 08:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 PM ----------
WATCH THE VIENNA PLAYER ON THE LEFT :hop mad:
[youtube]S7oTqgMm2Bc[/youtube]
CELTIC take on Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday, October 1 and the club believes that it will once again confirm Celtic Park as a unique arena for football and Celtic supporters as the best in Europe.
There has been much media hype surrounding the match, particularly in relation to the last meeting between the sides in 1984, but as far as the club and supporters’ groups are concerned, the focus is solely on this week’s tie.
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Clearly, everyone at the club is looking forward to the match against Rapid Vienna and we are sure we will witness another great European occasion at Celtic Park.
“Given the events of 25 years ago, it was inevitable that there would be great hype and profile surrounding such a fixture.
“Much has been said about the events of 1984, but as a club in 2009, all we are focusing on is what happens on the pitch on Thursday evening, as we try to progress in our Europa League group.
“As is always the case, we expect the Celtic supporters to come in their numbers, get right behind Tony and the team and on a European stage, once again demonstrate all that is good about Celtic.
“Our supporters have an enviable reputation for backing the club in a positive manner which has drawn praise throughout the game. We are sure that once again, football will witness the fantastic support which the team has come to enjoy on the European stage.”
And Celtic supporters’ groups are also looking forward to this week’s tie. Joe O'Rourke of the Celtic Supporters’ Association said: “We are now in a new competition that’s there to be won.
“Our home record in the last decade is the envy of most clubs in Europe; as is the reputation of our fans, so come Thursday night we need to get behind the team in the way only the Celtic fans know how to.
“We need to create an atmosphere that will lift our team and demoralise the opposition, let’s once again let the whole of Europe hear the best fans in the world support their team both loud and proud.”
And Mick Dinning of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters’ Clubs added: "We will be right behind Tony Mowbray and the players in the UEFA Europa League game on Thursday’s evening against Rapid Vienna at Celtic Park.
“We all know about 1984, but we hope to eradicate the match from our memories against Rapid Vienna from 25 years ago when we lost out in the replay.
“2009 is a different match and a different competition and we want to show Europe once again how to support your team. As ever we will encourage all our supporters to back the team the right way, the Celtic way.
“We aks the fans to come out in their numbers and we are sure all fans attending the match will offer the Bhoys the full encouragement they deserve for this very important fixture. “
Fans will show why they're the best in Europe
---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
The Victory that never was.
Celtic 3 - 0 Rapid Vienna
For Celtic it could have been a great European victory; for now stv.tv brings you the goals from their infamous home tie against Rapid Vienna in 1984 - the match that never was.
The Parkhead side had found itself trailing 3-1 after the first leg of the Cup Winners’ Cup fixture but should have clinched their place in the next round thanks to a commanding 3-0 performance. Goals came courtesy of club legends Brian McClair, Murdo McLeod and Tommy Burns.
However, tempers flared thanks to the contentious last strike, when Burns legitimately challenged keeper Rudolf Weinhofer to slot the ball into an empty net, a goal which should have sent his side through.
There was an element of revenge afterwards when the goalie later appeared to kick Burns while coming for the ball, with Reinhard Kienast also sent off for a blatant swipe at the late Celtic manager.
Weinhofer then went down poleaxed, claiming he’d been hit by a bottle thrown by a member of the Parkhead crowd. Despite TV cameras later showing he hadn’t been struck, the overall fracas saw Uefa schedule a rematch at Old Trafford.
Celtic lost that encounter 1-0, a result made worse when a fan attacked Rapid’s keeper, Herbert Feurer. The Parkhead side were fined £17,000 and ordered to play their next home European game behind closed doors.
It was an unfortunate end, especially given the performance of Celtic in their initial home victory. The first goal was of the highest class, starting off with a marvellous Paul McStay pass, and ending with a fantastic finish from future Manchester United forward Brian McClair.
The second came at the end of the first half, when Burns challenged with a header inside the box. After a poor clearance from the Vienna defence, Murdo McLeod drilled the ball low into the net from the edge of the box. Burns then added his own disputed effort, but in the end it just wasn’t to be.
Celtic: the European victory that never was | Football | STV Sport
---------- Post added at 08:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:10 PM ----------
Rapid Vienna will wear a red strip for the match. The first time they`ve worn them since that game in 1984. A tactic by the Vienna manager.
RAPID MAKE CELTIC SEE RED
Rapid Vienna will wear red next week
RAPID VIENNA plan to leave bitter Celtic punters seeing red next week- with a brazen choice of Europa League kit.
Celtic face their old Austrian foes next week for the first time since a notorious European scrap in 1984.
That two-legged tie was tainted by bottle-throwing, cheat allegations and crowd trouble and had to be settled by a third clash at neutral Old Trafford on the orders of UEFA.
However - despite public pleas for bygones to be bygones - the Austrians have struck upon a cheeky tactic designed to wind-up Celtic and inspire their own stars 25 years on.
For the FIRST time since that controversial win against Celtic on December 12, 1984 in Manchester, Rapid will wear a red kit for next week's Parkhead clash.
It's a deliberate stunt by the Austrians and one which has been sanctioned by gaffer Peter Pacult.
Pacult netted the winner for Rapid in the controversial third game and was later attacked by a violent Celtic punter as the teams left the Old Trafford pitch.
A Rapid insider revealed: "That game against Celtic in 1984 is one of the most incredible episodes in Rapid's history and the red kit has gone down in legend along with Pacult's winner.
"Incredibly, Rapid have not worn that kit since, but the plan is to wear it next week in Glasgow.
"By wearing red it will give the current team a massive psychological lift and evoke memories of that triumph.
"The players will wear the jersey with pride knowing that this was the shirt worn by Pacult and his team-mates all these years ago when Rapid defied the odds at Old Trafford."
Rapid normally play in green and white vertical stripes and have played in blue or an all-white change kits over the years.
The shock choice of a red kit has gone down well with the current players who have been stunned at the level of bitterness surrounding the two clubs a quarter of a century after the event.
In 1984, Celtic thought they had cruised into the last eight of the Cup winners Cup after overturning a first-leg defeat with a 3-0 Parkhead win.
However, in the dying stages of the game Rapid player Rudi Weinhofer collapsed to the turf and claimed he had been struck by a bottle thrown from the "Jungle."
Celtic were adamant that the player feigned injury to spark an inquest and were stunned when later fined by UEFA and ordered to replay the match in England.
Pacult scored the only goal of the replayed tie to send Rapid through and leave Celtic fans and players of the time feeling cheated out of a win.
Daily Express | Sport | Football
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WATCH THE VIENNA PLAYER ON THE LEFT :hop mad:
[youtube]S7oTqgMm2Bc[/youtube]
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noelyf
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Aiden making rapid progress
TONY MOWBRAY is confident Aiden McGeady is winning his fitness battle ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League match against Rapid Vienna.
The Irish winger, injured against Falkirk last week, trained on Wednesday with the rest of Celtic squad and showed no immediate reaction to the session.
However, with a vital SPL game against Rangers looming on Sunday, the manager will take no risks with his key player and will only play him against Rapid if he feels 100 per cent fit.
“Aiden looks alright,” said Mowbray, who will also check on the fitness of Andy Hinkel and Paddy McCourt. “He trained this morning and we’ll see how he is tomorrow.
“We’re hopeful that he’s going to be okay to play, but I’m not going to say that he’s definitely going to play, because you never know if there will be a reaction overnight. All I can say is that he trained today and seemed fine.
“There are one or two small problems with players. Andy and Paddy have slight discomfort and didn’t train today. Like Aiden, we’ll decide tomorrow whether we play them or not.
“I’d suggest if we don’t play them, they will all be okay for the weekend. The problem is that if we do play them tomorrow they might not be available for the weekend. We’ll wait and see.”
Manager: Aiden making Rapid progress
The Game Is Live On 3e Ireland. KO. Is At 8.05 pm
TONY MOWBRAY is confident Aiden McGeady is winning his fitness battle ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League match against Rapid Vienna.
The Irish winger, injured against Falkirk last week, trained on Wednesday with the rest of Celtic squad and showed no immediate reaction to the session.
However, with a vital SPL game against Rangers looming on Sunday, the manager will take no risks with his key player and will only play him against Rapid if he feels 100 per cent fit.
“Aiden looks alright,” said Mowbray, who will also check on the fitness of Andy Hinkel and Paddy McCourt. “He trained this morning and we’ll see how he is tomorrow.
“We’re hopeful that he’s going to be okay to play, but I’m not going to say that he’s definitely going to play, because you never know if there will be a reaction overnight. All I can say is that he trained today and seemed fine.
“There are one or two small problems with players. Andy and Paddy have slight discomfort and didn’t train today. Like Aiden, we’ll decide tomorrow whether we play them or not.
“I’d suggest if we don’t play them, they will all be okay for the weekend. The problem is that if we do play them tomorrow they might not be available for the weekend. We’ll wait and see.”
Manager: Aiden making Rapid progress
The Game Is Live On 3e Ireland. KO. Is At 8.05 pm
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