31st May 2006

Stage set for Magic

POLAND coach Pawel Janas has tipped Celtic striker Maciej Zurawski to shine at the World Cup in Germany this summer.

Zurawski, who played for his country in a 2-1 friendly defeat against Colombia on Tuesday evening, has bounced back from a relatively slow start to his international career to become Poland’s top marksman.

After scoring five goals in his first 31 internationals, Zurawski has grabbed 10 in his last 17 games for Poland - including seven strikes in qualifying to clinch his country's World Cup place.

Zurawski’s blistering form for Poland coincided with the appointment of Janas in 2003 and the coach believes the Celtic striker is reaching his peak at the perfect time.

“Maciej has made great strides since I've been coach,” said Janas. “At the beginning, people said that he couldn’t score for the national team and he was really blocked up.

“Later, during qualifying, Maciej started to score goals, and now I think he’s our best player.”

Janas’ assistant, Maciej Skorza, believes Zurawski’s superb form for Celtic in his debut SPL season, which saw him bag 20 goals, has given the striker an added boost.

He said: “Maciej’s transfer to Celtic allowed him to confirm for himself in his own mind that he can score anywhere, not just in the Polish league.

“He's at the best age now to take advantage of all his experience and skills.”

Zurawski’s Celtic team-mate Artur Boruc played the first 45 minutes against Colombia, before giving way to West Brom goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak for the second period.

However, Boruc’s claim for the No.1 jersey could have been strengthened after Kuszczak allowed a punt from Colombian goalkeeper Luis Martinez to soar over his head for a freak second goal.

Poland kick off their World Cup campaign against Ecuador on Friday, June 9.
The Poles play Germany five days later, before rounding off the group phase with a match against Costa Rica on Tuesday, June 20.

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura starred for Japan in an entertaining 2-2 draw with World Cup hosts Germany in Leverkusen on Tuesday evening.

Japan, who will compete in Group F, open their campaign against Australia on Monday, June 12 in Kaiserslautern. They then face Croatia in Nuremburg on Sunday, June 17 and round off the group stages against Brazil in Dortmund on Thursday, June 22.

 

15th May 2006

Poland Squad Named For World Cup Finals

The Polish boss, who announced his squad in Warsaw on Monday evening, called-up the Celtic duo of goalkeeper Artur Boruc and striker Maciej Zurawski to the squad, with Southampton’s Grzegorz Rasiak to join Zurawski in attack.

Boruc will be backed-up by West Browich Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak who, although his team was relegated this season, was excellent in goal for the Baggies, making some terrific saves.

Poland have been drawn in group A alongside Costa Rica, Ecuador and the hosts Germany. Poland will play its first match against Ecuador in Gelsenkirchen on June 9.

Poland squad for the World Cup Finals 2006, Germany:

Goalkeepers: Artur Boruc (Celtic F.C), Tomasz Kuszczak (WBA), Lukasz Fabianski.

Defenders: Marcin Baszczynski (Wisla Krakow), Jacek Bak (Al. Rayyan), Mariusz Jop (FC Moskva), Severyn Ganacarczyk, (Metalist Charkov), Mariusz Lewandowski (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Dariusz Dudka (Wisla Krakow), Michal Zewlakow (Olympiacos).

Midfielders: Euzebiusz Smolarek (Borrusia Dortmund), Kamil Kosowski (Southampton FC) Radoslaw Sobolewski (Wisla Krakow), Miroslaw Szymkowiak (Trabzonspor), Jacek Krzynowek (Bayer Leverkusen), Arkadiusz Radomski (Austria Wien), Sebastian Mila (Austria Wien), Piotr Giza (Cracovia Krakow), Damian Gorawski (FC Moskva).

Strikers: Maciej Zurawski (Celtic FC), Pawel Brzozek (Wisla Krakow), Grzegorz Rasiak (Southhampton F.C.), Ireneusz Jelen (Wisla Plock).

 

14th May 2006

A HAPPY BHOY AT CELTIC PARK

Celtic striker John Hartson has stated his intention to remain at the club and see out the final two years of his contract.

The 31-year-old's future has been the source of much speculation in recent weeks following the breakdown of his marriage.

It has been suggested that the former Arsenal and West Ham United hit-man may want to be closer to his family, who have moved south of the border.

Hometown club Swansea City and Premiership side Portsmouth have been linked with the Wales international, but Hartson told Goals on Sunday of his intention to remain with Gordon Strachan's side.

"I've had a great five years," Hartson said. "It's an unbelievable place to play football.

"The fans are just in an absolute world of their own.

"I've got a season left and I've spoke to the manager.

"We've shook hands on the fact that if he wants me at the club, then I'm more than happy to stay and challenge again next year."

 

12th May 2006

Lennoxtown Community Spirit

THE long and winding road to the realisation of Celtic’s new Sports Academy and Training Centre is finally coming to an end thanks to the co-operation of East Dunbartonshire Council in conjunction with Lennoxtown Initiative and NHS Glasgow and Clyde.

And leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, John Morrison is already looking ahead to furthering the relationship between the club and the local authority.

He said: “On behalf of East Dunbartonshire Council I’m delighted at the announcement that Celtic are coming to Lennoxtown.

“The great news is that work is set to begin on the Lennoxtown site very soon and I believe that the presence of a club of the international standing of Celtic Football Club will bring benefits both to Lennoxtown and its community.

“I certainly look forward to working in partnership with the club in joint projects in the future.

“This has been a long hard process and it’s not been without its difficulties, however, with goodwill on all sides, the deal which has been concluded has been an excellent deal for Celtic, for the community and for the local authority.

“I, in particular, have been impressed by the club’s commitment to the community, to working with the community and providing excellent coaching facilities.

“The Celtic brand name is world-renowned and the young people of East Dunbartonshire will benefit from this experience and expertise in the next few years.

“East Dunbartonshire believes that the construction of the new Academy in Lennoxtown will be a significant part of the regeneration of the area and will transform the upper part of the Lennoxtown site.

“I myself have visited the site and it is a magnificent setting and will be a jewel in the crown of the area.

“I do welcome this initiative, I do welcome this development and I look forward to working in partnership with Celtic Football Club on a great many projects in the years to come.”

 

10th May 2006

Keane still unsure over future

Roy Keane insists he will not be rushed into making a decision about his future after gaining the 'closure' he was looking for from his testimonial game at Old Trafford.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has left a one-year offer on the table for Keane to consider but, while the 34-year-old claims he has made no definite decision about his short-term future, the indications are that he will call time on an illustrious career.

"I realise my heart could be telling me one thing and my body another but I am quite relaxed about the situation," said Keane. "I don't feel too bad but equally I do not feel as though I have done myself justice at Celtic."

He added: "I have suffered one or two niggling injuries, which could have been influenced by the amount of travelling I have been doing and also a torn hamstring which I am certain came about because of my hip operation.

"Nothing is definite yet but if I am suffering niggling injuries all the time, that is no use to anyone."

Keane's popularity at both Manchester United and Celtic was shown by a near 70,000 crowd which will net around £2million for the Cork-born star's favourite charities.

 

09th May 2006

United boss looking forward to Keane return

Sir Alex Ferguson will welcome Roy Keane back to Manchester United Football Club on Tuesday night.

The Irishman returns to Old Trafford for the first time since his shock departure last November, as he and Celtic travel to face the Reds in his testimonial game.

Ferguson recently labelled Keane as the nest player he has ever worked with, and despite reports they had a furious bust-up before he left, this is clearly water under the bridge.

"I'm looking forward to Tuesday's match," said the United manager. "Roy and I enjoyed a great association and had some fantastic years together."

 

09th May 2006

McStay targets silver lining

CELTIC youth coach Willie McStay believes winning Wednesday’s SFA Youth Cup final at Celtic Park would provide a fitting end to another trophy-laden season for the club.
 
With league titles secured at first-team, reserve and youth level, and the CIS Insurance Cup and the Arcobaleno Youth Cup also nestling in the Celtic Park trophy cabinet, McStay’s Under-19s can round off a remarkable campaign in style with victory over Hearts.
 
The Celtic Park showdown on Wednesday looks set to attract a healthy crowd as McStay’s youngsters chase a third successive Youth Cup triumph. And the coach is confident that Hoops fans hoping to catch a positive glimpse of the club’s future will not be left disappointed.
 
“It’s the showpiece of youth football and I’m delighted we’re getting the chance to play on a super stage like Celtic Park,” said McStay.
 
“Every young player wants to play in this game and that is my biggest problem at the moment. I have a big squad of players who are desperate to play and unfortunately some will be unhappy.
 
“Hearts will be a very strong side and I expect first-team players like Lee Wallace and Calum Elliott to feature for them. It will be a tough task for our side but I’m looking forward to it.
 
“With two testimonials in Manchester and Newcastle, this is a massive week for Celtic, and there will be a big following down south. But it would be great if those who are not travelling could come along and support the boys.
 
“We work on every aspect of players’ games but nothing can prepare them for running out in front of a big crowd at Celtic Park. I want to see how they handle that sort of atmosphere and that’s where the Celtic fans can play their part.
 
“It would be fantastic if they could make it a special night by turning out in huge numbers.”
 
While much of McStay’s squad will head for a well-deserved break following Wednesday’s final, six players will be on international duty for Scotland Under-19s in Belarus next week.
 
Scott Fox, Scott Cuthbert, Simon Ferry, Charlie Grant, Ryan Conroy and Michael McGlinchey will all represent their county in UEFA Championships qualifying matches against Belarus, Bulgaria and France next week.
 
McStay insists playing against this level of opposition can only benefit the Hoops youngsters, who will face a hectic schedule of three games in five days in Belarus.
 
He said: “It’s another pat on the back for the youth academy and to have six players in a squad of eighteen is not a bad average. They have all come through the system and have been developed by the coaching staff.
 
“They are all great to work with and this shows how highly they are regarded. Everyone at the club is delighted for them and I’m sure they will do very well.”

 

01st May 2006

Maloney claims historic double

HAVING already helped Celtic to a League and League Cup this season, Shaun Maloney made history with his clinching of a second ‘double’ on Sunday night.

The 23 year-old Celtic attacker, who this season has established himself as a first choice in Gordon Strachan’s Celtic team, has been voted both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year by his fellow footballers.

By clinching the awards, Maloney has made history, becoming the first player to win in both the Player and Young Player categories.

The award was announced by the members of the Scottish Professional Footballers Association on Sunday night.

 

Copyright ©  2006 by [The Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs]. All rights reserved.