Scottish Cup Winners 2001 OH HAMPDEN IN THE SUN The Celts of 2001 made their own piece of football history on a glorious sunny day at Hampden Park. Glasgow. They comprehensively dismantled a very poor Hibs side that failed to trouble Rab Douglas all afternoon. Former Hibs player Didier Agathe set up the first goal, he swept a fine pass into the path of sub Jackie McNamara and he coolly placed the ball out of reach of the Hibs goalkeeper Nick Colgan. Jackie had come on to replace Lubo Moravcik midway through the first half. The Slovakian who had been a doubt for Celtic right up until kick off had to be replaced after attempting a cross into the Hibs box. Any fears of Hibs comeback were swept away right at the start of the second half when the King fired in a stunning goal that left the Hibs goalie helpless. Two nil up and cruising Celtic had a few chances to increase the scoreline before the King was fouled in the box for a penalty. The King duly dispatched the kick himself to send the hoards of Celtic fans into celebration mode for the third time in just a few short weeks. The final whistle arrived and the parties began once again, the players did their customary lap of honour and a special cheer went up when the boss Martin O’Neill paraded the cup to the Celtic fans behind the goal. A special day and a never to be forgotten season, the hard work now begins for Martin O’Neill as he attempts to sign new players to bolster our squad for next season. The Champions League qualifier is only a few weeks away and Celtic may well be up against one of Europe’s top clubs as they try to get into the group stages. The first SPL games for next season are scheduled to be played on Saturday 28th July 2001. That will be the day that the League Championship Flag will be unfurled at Celtic Park. Man of the match: - THE KING OF KINGS   PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2000 -2001 CIS CUP CHAMPS 2001

HAY CSC PAISLEY AFTER GAME CELEBRATION PICTURES

Taken at League Cup Final on 18/3/01 as Celtic Parade Cup to 

"You'll never walk alone"

THANKS TO JOE GILHOOLEY (EDINBURGH) FOR PICTURES

Celtic lost there final league game of this season going down to an Alan Mahood goal 12 minutes from time. 

Martin O'Neill rested several players with next week's Scottish Cup Final in mind.

The club also lost out on the chance to become the first club to gain 100 points in a SPL season.

We finished the season on 97 points a massive 15 points ahead of our old enemies Rangers.

We now look forward to next week's Cup Final and hopefully we will be celebrating the treble for the first time in 32 years.

Cup final preview will be posted later in the week.

A LION SLEEPS TONIGHT

CANTER IN THE SUN

Celtic won this dress rehearsal in a canter at Easter Road; the bhoys were five up before Hibs snatched two goals near the end through Frenchman Marc Libbra.

Jackie McNamara scored two and Henrik grabbed one to equal Brian McClair’s long-standing record of 35 league goals in one season, the other two goals came from Alan Stubbs and Lubo Moravcik.

Biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Big Stubbsy, Alan came on as a sub and was given a standing ovation by both sets of fans, he even managed to get in on the goal spree bulleting in a header to put Celtic four up.

Celtic’s Didier Agathe became the fifth Celt to see red this season he was shown the red card when he brought down O’Neill of Hibs, the game as a contest was over by this time.

A surprise starter in goals was Dimtri Kharine; he had no chance with either of the Hibs goals.

Celtic are now just one win away from gaining 100 points in this seasons SPL championship, they have the chance to reach the magical figure when they play Dundee at Celtic Park next Sunday.

Preview of Celtic’s last home league game later in the week.

 MEN & WEAN AGAINST BOYS

Celtic fans are again celebrating tonight after a second half display at Ibrox that completely dismantled the poorest Rangers side in years.

So many plus points in this one that I find it hard where to start, but here goes anyway.

Making my way to my seat in the stadium and who should we see in amongst the Celtic fans non other than Roy Keane of Manchester United. Keane as you would expect is swamped by Celtic fans wanting pictures, autographs etc.

First up Rangers show a brief few minutes of Jim Baxter on the big screen as a tribute to the ex player who recently passed away, Celtic fans respond perfectly by clapping all the way through the footage.

Next up the minutes silence for Jim Baxter, going perfectly with about 10 seconds left until some clown shouts out there's only one Neil Lennon. 

A few fans try to shout him down and you can just see the damning headlines in the papers in the morning.

To the game itself, as you would now expect every time Neil Lennon touches the ball he is booed by the home fans.

The first half peters out with only one clear cut chance created and it falls to Rod Wallace of Rangers who misses a sitter with a header from close range.

To the second half and what a transformation, Celtic completely dominate and from their first real attack on goal score a superb opener. The King cleverly holds off a Rangers defender before he flicks the ball to Lubo who walks through the gap in the Rangers defence and plants the ball past Klos in the Rangers goal.

Martin O'Neill then plays a master stroke by replacing Tommy Johnson with young Shaun Maloney, the wean is hardly on the park when he played through by the King, it's three against one with The King and Lambert in support, the wean tries a shot that is well saved by Klos.

Not to be out done however the wean (young maloney) flicks on a marvellous header to Lubo and the rest is history. The Slovakian magician turns the Rangers defender so many times he nearly having to pay to get back in, Klos tries to narrow the angle but it too late Celtic are two up and the fans are in raptures.

Number three or should I say 50 could only come from one man, yes you've guessed it. Jackie McNamara plays a great ball through to The King who dances round Klos and from the tightest of angles the ball nestles snugly in the corner of the net. 

3-0 to the CHAMPIONS and the blue half of Ibrox was vanishing before our very eyes.

Lots more can be written about this historic victory, but I'll leave that to the professionals.

MEN & WOMAN OF THE MATCH : ANYONE CONNECTED WITH CELTIC AT IBROX.

MAN OF THE MATCH : JOHAN MJALLBY (BY THE LENGTH OF COPELAND RD) 

Celtic clocked up yet another 1-0 win in a game that only got in the way of the party to follow. Lubo scored the winner after being put through by the King. The hoops had enough chances to win this encounter by a mile. 

That we only managed one goal was down to some great goalkeeping by the Hearts goalie. 

The celebrations and the award ceremony after the game were enjoyed by the 60,000 crowd in attendance.

We have one more home game this season to preserve our fantastic record this will be played against Dundee in a few weeks time.  

Hoops boss Martin O'Neill has given the players a few day's off but will have them fully fired up for the last Old Firm game of the season next Sunday Ibrox.

Preview of the Old Firm game will be posted later in the week.

90 minutes from Treble

The King was on hand again yesterday to spearhead our campaign for the glorious treble. 

The King's 1st goal was something of pure class, diving full out to bullet a header past the Dundee United goalie. Chris Sutton returned to the starting line up to partner The King up front. 

His presence caused United trouble all afternoon. Didier Agathe also had a fine match. The game was settled with two goals in two minutes near the end of the regulation 90 minutes. 

Firstly The King was tripped in the box and he got up to take the kick himself. His spot kick was nestling in the back of the United net and this spot kick set up a new scoring record, Charlie Nick's record was broken at last with The King having now scored 49 goals with six matches still to play this season. 

Jackie McNamara who had come on as a sub settled things with Celtic's third goal. 

United to their credit did not throw the towel in and they snatched a late consolation goal right at the death through Derek Lilley. 

All in all a another good's day's work from Martin O'Neill's charges, we now stand just 90 minutes away from the treble in what would be a remarkable achievement for Martin O'Neill's first season in charge.  

PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2000 -2001

It's official the parties are now in full swing. Update to follow whenever?????????  Worth waiting for O'Neill said: "It's been a fantastic day. It's all been worthwhile now. John Robertson : "Nothing matches this. It is unbelievable." JUST CHAMPION! by Alison McConnell Celtic 1                   St.Mirren 0 Johnson 37 Celtic Park was the venue for a huge celebration as the Hoops clinched the Championship courtesy of a nervous 1-0 win over St.Mirren, not that the actual result mattered much to the 60,000 who were fortunate enough to have a ticket for the biggest party in the East End of Glasgow. The Celtic fans greeted the final whistle with a fantastic wall of sound that bore testimony to the relief and delight at making it over the finish line. Martin O’Neill and the Celtic players danced and swanned around the turf much to the satisfaction of the fans who were loathe to leave the scene of the triumph. O’Neill thanked the hordes of fans for their support over the season, and much to the joy of a packed Celtic Park he revealed that winning the Championship is one of the best days of his life to date. It had been a remarkable campaign this season, and few could ever have hoped to pick up the title with five games of the season remaining. The game that finally led to the door of the Championship was never the best of the season, but in the end all that mattered was the result, and it has to be said that Tommy Johnson’s strike eight minutes from the interval was just reward for Celtic’s relentless pursuit of goals in the first period. Martin O’Neill’s men created and squandered chances with equal aplomb, and in the early stages it appeared as though a little stage fright as set into the front men. Paul Lambert carved open the Saints defence after just 10 minutes when he expertly cut inside the box from the right, before sending a tantalising pass across the face of the goal that Johnson pushed inches wide. Lambert had an excellent afternoon in the centre of the park where he orchestrated much of Celtic’s movement but the veteran midfielder was also conscious of his defensive duties, tracking back and pushing forward in almost equal measure. Shortly after the half hour mark Henrik Larsson uncharacteristically missed a golden opportunity to settle some early nerves. The Swede collected a long pass of astonishing precision from Lubomir Moravcik, before racing through on goal and rounding Ludovic Roy in the Saints goal, but unusually for the SPL’s top scorer, he pushed too far away from the goal giving Roy time to scramble back and desperately clear the ball out of for a corner. So eager to find the elusive goal, Celtic were in danger of falling victim to a Saints break, and seconds after this Graham Fenton hared his way upfield, only to hit his final shot narrowly over the target. Agathe’s pace and crossing caused the Saints defence all manner of problems throughout the afternoon, and in particular, Chris Kerr was given a torrid time trying to shackle the movement of the winger. Repeatedly, Agathe darted his way to the right-wing before shelling the St.Mirren penalty box with dangerous and inviting crosses that the Paisley side were forced to hoof to safety. On the half hour mark Agathe spun past Kerr before sweeping a cross into the box that Moravcik reached, but the little Slovak’s attempt crept frustratingly wide. Moravcik himself also enjoyed a fine afternoon and came close with a handful of early efforts. Midway through the first half he tried a rasping 20-yard drive that dipped wide of the target, and he was also instrumental in setting up opportunities for the front pairing of Johnson and Larsson. It took until the 37th minute before Celtic got the goal their play merited when Larsson unselfishly crossed inside for Johnson and the former Aston Villa striker hesitated for a second before slipping the ball past Roy and into the net. That should have been Celtic’s key to let the Championship party begin, but St.Mirren doggedly and admirably stuck to their task. Hendrie’s side – currently battling for their SPL lives – continued to do their utmost to cause Celtic problems with Steven McPhee and Fenton both posting notice of their presence. Two Minutes after the interval Thompson connected with an Agathe cross, but his header bounced off the crossbar before dipping out of play. Robert Douglas was forced to race to the feet of St.Mirren’s on-loan striker McPhee after the forward beat Vega and cut inside, however the Celtic keeper was quick to smother the danger. Goal hero Johnson left the field to a standing ovation eight minutes after the restart after the striker looked as though he had tweaked a hamstring and was replaced by Jackie McNamara, with Moravcik pushing up to partner Larsson. In the 66th minute Ramon Vega rose high at the back post to meet a Thompson cross, but his attempt sneaked wide by the narrowest of the margins. Four minutes later 60,000 fans jumped off their seats as Larsson came agonisingly close to doubling Celtic’s advantage. The Swede raced forward to collect an Agathe cross, flicking it diagonally across goal only to watch in despair as it trickled past Roy’s right-hand post. With 15 minutes left on the clock Larsson attempted to find the route to goal via a 20-yard free-kick after Thompson had been fouled, but although his effort cleared the Saints wall it also rose high over the bar. A minute later Jackie McNamara was denied by a superb save from Roy after the substitute had unleashed a fierce drive from just inside the box. Colin Healy was introduced to the game with two minutes remaining as Moravcik departed to a rapturous reception. Seconds later Roy spilled an Agathe drive round the post for yet another corner as Celtic valiantly searched for another goal. That the short corner came to nothing was irrelevant as the fans danced and sang in eager anticipation of the final whistle. When it came – seconds later – Celtic Park was bathed in a swarm of green and white as the delighted supporters welcomed the Championship home. All that remains to be seen is if the Hoops can add a third trophy to the two they have laid claim to already. TEAMS CELTIC (3-5-2): Douglas; Mjallby, Vega, Valgaeren (Boyd 75); Thompson, Moravcik (Healy 88), Lambert, Lennon, Agathe; Johnson (McNamara 53), Larsson. Subs: Gould, Boyd, Crainey. ST.MIRREN (3-4-3): Roy; Walker, McGowan, McLaughlin; Kerr, MacKenzie, Gillies, Baltacha (Nicolson 57); Fenton (Renfrum 68), Quitongo (McGarry 82), McPhee. Subs: Scrimgour, Yardley. ATT: 60,440 Website Man of the Match: Paul Lambert

READY TO PARTY ?

Celtic took an early lead in this game when Tommy Johnson swept home after five minutes following a great through pass by the King, the fans then waited for the floodgates to open.

The Dens Park men however had other idea’s and they proceeded to play some of the best football of the season seen at Celtic Park.

It came as no surprise then when Sara drilled home the equaliser midway through the second half.

Step forward one Martin O’Neill who once again showed his superb tactical awareness by bringing on Tom Boyd and pushing Johan Mjallby up front to play alongside King Henrik.

Not long after he made the switch the King sent his fellow countryman through with a clear run in on goal when he was brought down by ex Celt Barry Smith.

The ref had no alternative other than to show the red card to Smith, from the resulting free kick Thompson brought out a fine save from the young Dundee keeper.

Celtic kept up the pressure on the Dundee goal and we were rewarded when Johan Mjallby managed to prod (pardon the expression) the ball over the goal line to send Celtic Park into a frenzy.

Only five minutes remained when the big Swede scored but those last few minutes seemed like an eternity.

So now we know that if we can beat bottom club St Mirren on Saturday the SPL trophy will be back on display at Celtic Park.

Another full house sign will be up and with the game being shown as a pay per view extra by Sky TV you can be sure that millions of fans will be tuning in to see if the Bhoys can clinch the title at home and give Martin O’Neill his second trophy in just three weeks.

Preview will be posted on Friday.

Celtic moved 16 points clear of Rangers at the top of the SPL with this single goal victory. Although this was no where near our best game of the season, the bhoys did enough to collect all three points. 

The goal arrived from the foot of Didier Agathe after 73 minutes, Agathe had a very quiet game up until this point. 

Celtic seemed to buck up there idea's when Martin O'Neill sent on the Slovakian maestro Lubo and Jackie McNamara early in the second half. 

A fairly timid affair but three great points all the same. The scene is now set for two home games in four day's, Wednesday night sees the visit of Dundee followed by St Mirren on Saturday. 

If we can secure victory in these two games then the title flag will be flying over Celtic Park next season.

A remarkable turn around from last season, all the credit for this must go to Martin O'Neill and his staff for the miracles they have performed this season.

Roll on Wednesday night when Celtic Park will once again be jam packed with fans willing the team on to another three points in our quest for the SPL trophy 2000-2001

A preview of Wednesday's game will be posted shortly.

Celtic won this challenge match by a single goal scored by 19-year-old centre forward Vinnie Sullivan, the goal coming fifteen minutes into the second half.

Sullivan who was last season’s top scorer for the youngsters scoring from a header at the far post.

Celtic had a few players with first team experience on display, Kharine, Mahe, Tebily & Crainey alongside fringe players Bonnes, Shields, & Keogh.

A healthy crowd of over 1,500 helped swell the “Save The Ton” fund by a few pounds.

One black spot in the match was the sight of young Stephen Crainey who picked up a winners medal at Hampden Park last Sunday being carried from the field after attempting to block a tackle from a Morton player

A good run out for the Bhoys who played in the traditional hooped jerseys.

Man of the match :- Vinnie Sullivan.  

Won down two to go

What can you say about the KING, he is without doubt one of the greatest players ever to don a Celtic jersey. His three goals were all fantastic and his all round contribution to the club is majestic. 

The other players in the side must consider themselves very lucky to have the opportunity to play alongside the Celtic legend. 

The Swede’s magnificent treble sealed a stormy match at Hampden that saw Chris Sutton receive a controversial red card midway through the second half.

Sutton and Bobby Petta both started the game, before long however both players would leave the field for very different reasons. Petta lasted all of ten minutes before having to leave the park with reoccurrence of the injury that has kept him out for so long.  

Chris Sutton lasted 59 minutes of the match, Hugh Dallas lent the Ayrshire side a hand when he sent him packing for a foul on Gary Holt. 

The King's three goals came in 48, 74 and 81 minutes, his third goal was worth the entrance fee on it's own, a thing of sheer class.

Afterwards, the fans and players celebrated long into the night and, while enjoying the victory for its own sake, no doubt a few will have been asking the question...
Won down, two to go?

MAN OF THE MATCH : THE KING OF KINGS

SHE’S TUNING UP

What is it the say in footballing terms it’ s not over till the fat lady sings, well get those vocal chords going girl.

Yesterday’s Daily Ranger had some guy saying “I’ve got 40/1 on Celtic not winning anything this season” I wish I was that guy’ s bookie:

Celtic once again won this won with plenty to spare (despite the very close result) 

Talking of bookie’s can I just add that I had a nice £10 treble on Celtic, Hearts, & Dundee.  (Thank you very much to Celtic’s official bookie William Hill) according to the club’s website that is.

To the game itself, Celtic got off to a flyer with a great-headed goal from Tommy Johnson (I really hope this guy qualifies for a medal, he deserves it)

St Johnstone equalized with a well-worked goal just four minutes before the break.

Early in the second half, who else but the King with his 44^th goal of the season put the HOOPS back in front?

A sorry sight however in the second half was the stretcher being called for Stillian Petrov, at present the full details of his injury are unknown.

Another fabulous three points coupled with the news from Ibrox meant a very good  journey down from Perth for the huge travelling support who were in attendance.

It’s now onto Hampden on Sunday and the CIS cup final, a preview and the latest news on the club front will be posted as it becomes available.  

IT'S THAT MAN LARSSON AGAIN   Super Swede Henrik Larsson once again put Hearts to the sword with fantastic headed goal from a pinpoint Alan Thompson cross.  Celtic dominated the first half and indeed the King could have had a first half hat-trick but was denied by Hearts goalkeeper Annti Niemi.  A crowd of just under 35,000 watched as Celtic continued on their quest for a fabulous treble.  Martin O'Neill's men have now gone 17 games without defeat.  Johan Mjallby had to go off to have a eight stitches inserted in a badly gashed forehead. Johan however has declared himself fit for Wednesday's rearranged game at Perth against St Johnstone. A preview of Wednesday's match together with an update on the injury front will be posted prior to the match.   EX CELT HANNAH FINISHES RANGERS SEASON

Celtic sailed through the quarter finals of this tournament with an easy victory over Dunfermline. 

For the second time in four days Celtic showed their superiority over the Pars

Two goals apiece for Ramon Vega and the King had Celtic in easy street, we now face Hearts at home on Sunday in the 1/4 finals of this tournament. 

A full preview of the weekend game with the latest team news will be posted shortly. 

Celtic took a massive leap towards the SPL title with this very professional win over Dunfermline at East End Park.

The men who made the news midweek were at again, Stilian Petrov opened the scoring after only 10 minutes and from there on in Celtic were on their way to collecting the SPL trophy.

The King made it number two after 25 minutes with a quite superb free kick. This was the King’s 40^th goal of the season.

Neil Lennon who received a hero’s welcome from Celtic huge travelling army opened his account for the club when he slotted away a lay off from the King in the second half, this one coming after 77 minutes.

Martin O’Neill’s men are now surely only a few games away from lifting the top prize in Scotland.

He once again praised the away support for getting right behind the team (home fans please take note) and in particular the welcome Neil Lennon received after the traumatic week he’s came through.

A great three points collected at Dunfermline, the media and all the people who were expecting us to slip up will now have to wait for another day for the unexpected to happen.

Next up is the Scottish Cup replay against you’ve guessed it Dunfermline on Wednesday evening at Celtic Park.

The game kicks off at 7,45pm and another huge crowd is expected at Celtic Park as we march with O’Neill towards the coveted treble.

A preview of the match with the latest team news will be posted prior to the game.  

Celtic's 100% home league record vanished last night when Hibs scored an equaliser with just seven minutes remaining. 

The score draw now means that Celtic lead at the top is now down to 13 points over second placed Rangers, the Ibrox men having a game in hand. 

Celtic got off to a good start with Swede Johan Mjallby netting from close range after a header from the King was cleared off the line in 23 minutes. Celtic had chances to finish off the Edinburgh side but could not put any of the chances away. 

The home side who for some strange reason played in their away kit paid the ultimate price when sub Mark Libbra scored after a slack header from Alan Thompson. 

Celtic upped the pace in a bid to snatch a late winner but it was not to be, again an astonishing crowd of 60,063 watched the action. 

Our next game again takes place on a Sunday when we visit Dunfermline for the SPL match which kicks off at 2.35pm. This game will be broadcast live by BBC Scotland. 

This game looked to be heading for a nil nil draw, enter one Slovakian magician and hey presto the SPL is within touching distance. 

Yes this was a typical Motherwell encounter with the away team playing their hearts out for a draw. 

Celtic had almost all the play but could not find a way past Goram in the Motherwell goal until Lubo scored with a fantastic free kick with just seven minutes remaining.

Bobby Petta went off injured and must now be considered very doubtful for Sunday's game against second placed Hibs.

Last night's attendance was an incredible 58,880. 

A late goal from Dunfermline's Barry Nicholson means a replay at Celtic Park on Wednesday 28th February 2001. 

This date will cause a major headache for HOOPS boss Martin O'Neill as this night has been penciled in for International matches across Europe. 

Celtic could be without up to nine first team regulars due to call ups by their national squads. 

Another two goals from the King (total now stands at 40) could not prevent this game from ending in a draw. 

A somewhat scrappy contest after the two wins we enjoyed over Rangers last week. 

All the goals in this game came in the last quarter, with the King opening the scoring when he latched onto an Alan Thompson cross and firmly headed past the Pars goalie. 

Dunfermline's Skerla tied things up with seven minutes left, the King put the HOOPS back in front with two minutes remaining. 

We looked to have sewn things up before Nicholson's goal right on time

No doubt the date of the replay will be a topic for major discussion over the next few days.

Celtic inflicted defeat on their Old Firm rivals for the second time in four days to open up a eleven point lead at the top of the SPL. This win surely kills off any lingering hope Rangers had of retaining the championship. The goal hero in this one was Alan Thompson.

Celtic had the ball in the net early on when Ramon Vega headed home, this was chopped off for an infringement in the box. The goal had to come after Celtic had completely outplayed Rangers in a very one sided first half, it duly arrived after 17 minutes when Thompson easily put the ball past Klos after being put through by the King.

Rangers were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time as Ricksen received a second yellow card for persistent fouling.

Rangers came more into the game in the 2nd half but it was Celtic who were making the chances to tie up the game.

No more goals however, but a fantastic three points to wrap up a great week.

It’s Celtic v Kilmarnock in the final of the CIS Cup on Sunday 18^th March 2001; the game against Dundee scheduled for St Patrick’s Day will now have to be moved out to another date.

No doubt we’ll start hearing how Kilmarnock should get 50% of the tickets for the final after the massive invasion of fans they took to Tuesday’s other semi-final.

Attendance for Tuesday’s semi-final under 10,000, will whoever claims to be in charge please take note.

The result of this game does not tell the whole story; this was a match that Celtic won in a canter. Johnathan Gould deputising for the cup tied Rab Douglas did not have a save to make in the whole match.

As for the penalties both sides received, well if either of them was deserved then I’ve been watching the wrong game for the past thirty odd years.

Before the game we were treated to the usual hype, will Larsson play, will Craig Moore make his come back, you know the script anything to attract our attention, but on the night it all came good for Martin O’Neill’s men.

Once Chris Sutton slotted home the rebound from Ramon Vega’s header there was only going to be one winner.

Enter one King and another two goals making it 37 for the season and the contest was ended, towards the end we had the ludicrous sight of three players being red carded.

Reyna, Mols and the Slovakian magician Lubo were all shown the red card for what can only be described as a handbags at twelve paces affair.

If anyone needed to be shown the red card than only Reyna should have walked for his reckless challenge on Bobby Petta.

Anyway one down and one to go, a repeat of tonight’s result will do nicely on Sunday Martin thank you very much.

A preview of Sunday’s game will be posted over the next few days.  

A superb hatrick from King Henrik finished off a Hearts side who were never at the races. The win leaves Celtic nine points clear of rivals Rangers and sets us up nicely for this week's Old Firm double header.

A downside to the win was the injury to Belgian defender Joos Valgaeren, it was at first feared that the big man had broken an ankle. It's now emerged that the injury is ligament damage to his ankle. This will keep Joos out of the first team for the foreseeable future.

We now look forward to Wednesday night and the chance to wipe out the memory of the only defeat we have witnessed this season at the hands of our rivals from across the city.  

MATCH POSTPONED

A wasted journey for thousands of Celtic fans last night, the referee had no option other than to call the game off due to the fog that had descended at Perth. No new date for the match to take place has been confirmed as yet.

SCOTTISH CUP 3rd ROUND 

STRANRAER

CELTIC

Celtic eased there way past Stranraer at a packed Stair Park on Sunday evening. On a very tight pitch the bhoys put in a good solid performance against the blues.

Joos Valgaeren opened the scoring after 23 minutes when Neil Lennon’s flighted free-kick was headed back across goal by Ramon Vega, Joos following in at the back post managed to knock the ball over the line. 

Celtic kept the pressure on for the rest of the first half but could not to add to their tally.

Only five minutes had gone in the second half when Jackie McNamara scored a screamer after being put through by the King. The game then was virtually over as a contest. 

The third goal came after Bobby Petta sent in a dangerous cross that Keith Knox could only turn it into his own net.

Martin O'Neill then made a treble substitution opting to rest the King, Bobby Petta and Joos Valgaeren, replacing them with Lubo Moravcik, Paul Lambert and Johan Mjallby respectively.

Stranraer to their credit kept coming at Celtic and they managed to pull a goal back with seven minutes remaining, Alan Thomson was caught in possession and Ian Harty took full advantage, running in on Douglas before smashing the ball home from close range with the outside of his right foot. This was the first goal Celtic had conceded in five matches. 

The final goal of the game from the Slovakian substitute Lubo Moravcik, Lubo fired in a left foot shot that squirmed under the Stranraer keeper's body.

Overall a good night's work for Martin O'Neill's men, the bhoys now travel to a much tougher game on Wednesday night when we face St Johnstone in the first SPL pay per view match. 

The draw for the 4th round of the cup was made after last night's game and Celtic have been drawn to face Dunfermline or St Johnstone away. The tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday 17th February 2001.  

FRIENDLY MATCH

TIM SHEPPARD TESTIMONIAL

NORWICH CITY		CELTIC

Celtic's preparations for the resumption of the Scottish League programme suffered a setback last night when midfielder Alan Thompson was stretchered off during their friendly at First Division Norwich. Thompson was injured in an accidental collision with Canaries defender Brian McGovern seconds after replacing star striker Henrik Larsson, who was withdrawn from the action after taking a much less serious knock. It appeared as though the former Bolton and Aston Villa player had hurt his ankle and it was certainly an injury scare manager Martin O'Neil could have done without with his side's return to action after their winter break just six days away.

And the Bhoys at least had the consolation of winning the match thanks to three late goals from Mark Burchill (83) and Lubo Moravcik (88 and 90) - although by then Norwich had introduced a whole host of veterans onto the field including former Rangers pair Robert Fleck and Dale Gordon and keeper Bryan Gunn, now on the Carrow Road backroom staff.

While the match was still a genuine contest the Canaries more than matched their illustrious visitors and took a 2-0 lead before a wonder goal from Larsson brought his side back into the match. The game, a testimonial match for long serving Norwich physiotherapist Tim Sheppard attracted a crowd of 15,034 to Carrow Road including an estimated 5,000 Celtic supporters who took over an entire stand.

They were treated to a useful workout for the Scottish league leaders as Norwich gave them a taste of what is to come for the second half of the season after a couple of gentle friendlies in the Florida sunshine. Norwich started the brighter of the two sides and went in front six minutes before the interval when Adrian Coote caught Ramon Vega in possession on the edge of the box before rifling a low shot past keeper Robert Douglas.

The Canaries changed their entire team at the interval while Celtic stuck with six of their starting line-up.
But the City reserves stunned the visitors by stretching their lead 10 minutes after the restart. Former Manchester United striker Alex Notman threaded through a delightful ball into the path of Northern Ireland youngster Paul McVeigh, who needed no second invitation to slip the ball past substitute keeper Jonathan Gould.

Less than a minute later Celtic were back in it as Marsden hit a tremendous volley on the turn from the edge of the area which gave Robert Green no chance. The goal was reminiscent of Justin Fashanu's goal of the season for Norwich in the late 1970s and set the scene for an excellent fightback, although much of the gloss of their victory was removed by the concerns surrounding the fitness of Thompson. 

The king ran riot on Tuesday  with four goals in another demolition against our Ayrshire rivals.

The king's four plus Chris Sutton's two made it an easy win for Celtic

Celtic travelled to Tannadice on Boxing Day and gave Dundee United a right good going over. King Henrik had put us one up from the spot on 22 minutes after he himself had been brought down by Hasney Aljofree. 

Celtic’s dominance continued after they’d taken the lead, Sutton, in acres of space at the back post, heading wide from Ramon Vega’s ball before he finally opened his account after some great work from Petta.

Sutton wrapped up the points four minutes before the break, heading home Neil Lennon’s free-kick. Stilian Petrov completed the rout 17 minutes from time, as he converted a cross from Dider Agathe.

So the hoops go into Saturday's home game against Motherwell 12 points clear of both Hibs and Rangers. Another full house beckons as the hoops hurtle towards the winning post.

Celtic strolled their way to another three points in a somewhat disappointing contest at Love Street Paisley. Celtic underlined their title challenge with a performance where they rarely needed to get out of second gear. 

Goals from Didier Agathe and King Henrik were enough to make sure that another three points were safely tucked away.

Celtic's man of the match was Stan Petrov who is now beginning to show why Celtic paid big bucks for the Bulgarian internationalist.

It's now onto Tannadice on Boxing Day where another three points are up for grabs.

In the meantime on behalf of the Affiliation our best wishes for a Happy Christmas go to the players, management and staff at Celtic Football Club and of course our fantastic supporters throughout the world. 

DONS HIT FOR SIX

Celtic hit the Dons for six with another magical home performance, Ramon Vega was the man of the match and he chipped in with two goals on his home debut. Britain's highest crowd of the day over 60,000 watched as Celtic scored four times in the final 14 minutes. King Henrik was on hand to score a splendid hat-trick and young Jamie Smith rounded things off very nicely with the sixth and final goal.

CELTIC FANS TO RECEIVE PRESENTATION FROM BORDEAUX POLICE

The Celtic supporters who recently travelled to Bordeaux for the UEFA cup tie are to be awarded a special presentation by the Ministere de L'Interieur of the Bordeaux Police. 

The award is in recognition for the good behaviour of Celtic Supporters in the City during their visit. 

The presentation will take place trackside at 2pm on Saturday December 16 prior to the Aberdeen game. 

On hand to accept the award will be representatives from The Celtic Supporters Association, The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs and the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs

 5

1

6

1

4

1

after extra time

1

2

agg 2-3

0

1

2

5

 AET