31st July 2007

Double delight for Celtic's new captain

STEPHEN McManus had two reasons to celebrate as he put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at Celtic on the same day he was officially announced as the new club captain.

The 24-year-old defender has been a regular in the Celtic starting XI under Gordon Strachan and has helped the club to two successive league championships. He has also gained five international caps for Scotland.

Speaking exclusively to the Celtic website, McManus said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed this new deal at Celtic.

"I've come through the ranks here at the club and am proud to have played a part in the success we've had these past few seasons. Hopefully that will continue in the years to come, both in Scotland and in European competition as well."

McManus continued: "To be given the captaincy of Celtic is a tremendous honour and it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career so far.

"I'm proud to follow in the footsteps of so many great Celtic captains from the past and I hope that I will be able to achieve as much success as they have over the years."

26th July 2007

WINNING GOAL FROM PAUL McGOWAN IN CELTIC X1 v AIRDRIE UNITED

PAUL McGOWAN’S stunning first-half strike gave a strong Celtic XI a 1-0 victory over First Division Airdrie on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Second Division champions Morton, collected Jim O’Brien’s pass, clipped the ball over James Sharp’s head and sent a dipping volley into the top corner.

Derek Riordan and Bobo Balde both had chances to fire the Hoops ahead before McGowan’s opener, but Diamonds goalkeeper Stephen Robertson stopped their efforts.

After Celtic surged ahead, the Airdrie No.1 was again called into action – saving Thomas Gravesen’s shot and then blocking Balde’s header.

Marc Smyth had Airdrie’s best chance of the night but his looping header soared over Michael McGovern’s bar.

At the other end, Celtic had chances to add to their lead before the end, but Robertson denied Chris Killen, twice, and O’Brien.

AIRDRIE UNITED…0

CELTIC XI…1

(McGowan 25)

AIRDRIE (4-4-2) Robertson, Soutar, McGowan, McDonald, Smyth, Sharp, Trialist, McKeown, Noble, McKenna, McDougall

CELTIC (4-3-3) McGovern; Caddis, Virgo, Balde, Conroy; Bjarnason, O'Brien, Gravesen; Killen, McGowan, Riordan

Subs: Fox, Cuthbert, Ferry, O'Carroll, Quinn, Lawson, Marr, Lafferty.

23rd July 2007

Riordan cools Chicago Fire with late goal

DEREK RIORDAN struck a spectacular 79th-minute equaliser as Celtic claimed a 1-1 draw from a tough pre-season friendly against Chicago Fire at Bridgeview, Illinois.

Fire, inspired by new signing Cuauhtemoc Blanco, dominated for large periods and took the lead when the Mexican legend was rewarded for his efforts after 30 minutes. Celtic fought back in the second half and levelled when substitute Riordan let fly with a volley late on.

Scott McDonald could have snatched victory for Gordon Strachan's side, but he shot straight at Jon Busch.

Chicago were strong in defence and almost broke through after a cagey opening when Calen Carr struck the crossbar from a Blanco pass after 23 minutes. It was left to Blanco to take charge and he put his new side ahead when he burst into the box and coolly took the ball round Artur Boruc.

Blanco tired and was replaced after 57 minutes as one of a number of changes by both teams.

Riordan's introduction provided the spark Celtic needed and a good move initiated by the former Hibernian player ended with McDonald having a shot saved by Busch.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's follow-up was also blocked, but Riordan's equaliser was not long in coming.

03rd July 2007

Affiliation supporters sends best wishes to Craig Beattie

CRAIG Beattie has today joined West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal.

The striker links up with former Celt, Tony Mowbray, who is manager of the Midlands club, and Mowbray will be hoping that Beattie’s goals can fire his side into the Premiership next season.

Craig Beattie came through the ranks at Celtic and made his first-team debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against FBK Kaunus at Celtic Park in August 2003.

Over the next four years he made a total of 64 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals.

The 23-year-old has also won two Scottish caps, and scored the winner on his international debut in the 2-1 victory over Georgia at Hampden in March of this year.

Everyone at Celtic thanks Craig for all he’s done for the club and wishes him all the very best for his future career. 

01st July 2007

Nakamura spearheads Japan’s Asian Cup squad

Japan coach Ivica Osim announced  his final squad for the defence of the Asian Cup led by the 2004  most valuable player Shunsuke Nakamura, the Japan Football  Association said.
The Celtic midfielder and Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara,  who scored five goals in the 2000 championship, are the only  Europe-based players.   
 

The squad includes three players who took part in both the  previous Asian Cup victories-Nakamura, Jubilo Iwata goalkeeper  Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and Yokohama Marinos defender Yuji Nakazawa.
Gamba Osaka defender Ryo Kaji and his teammate Yasuhito Endo  also enjoyed the 2004 victory, while Nagoya Grampus Eight goalkeeper  Seigo Narazaki played in the 1996 Asian Cup.
Osim, who guided the former Yugoslavia to the 1990 World Cup  quarter-finals, and his 23 players will leave here on July 4 for  Hanoi.
 

Japan will play 2006 Asian Games gold medallists Qatar on July  9, the United Arab Emirates on July 13 and minnows Vietnam on July  16 in the Asian Cup co-hosted by Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and  Thailand.
 

Goalkeepers: Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata), Seigo Narazaki  (Nagoya Grampus Eight), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
 

Defenders: Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Keisuke Tsuboi  (Urawa Red Diamonds), Akira Kaji (Gamba Osaka), Yuichi Komano  (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
 

Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic/SCO), Hideo Hashimoto  (Gamba Osaka), Naotake Hanyu (JEF United Chiba), Yasuhito Endo  (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Keita Suzuki  (Urawa Reds), Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo),  Satoru Yamagishi (JEF United Chiba), Yoshiaki Ota (Jubilo Iwata),  Koki Mizuno (JEF United Chiba)
 

Forwards: Naohiro Takahara (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Ryuji  Bando (Gamba Osaka), Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba), Hisato Sato  (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata) (AFP)

01st July 2007

English clubs want Perrier Doumbe????