Roy Keane has joined so let’s have a look at the players he will be competing with for a place.
1 Artur ?Artie? Boruc (20/2/80) ? Polish ?keeper signed from Logia Warsaw on a one-year loan deal with the option for longer if he impressed, which he certainly did. Worrying noises that other clubs were after him but credit to the club for securing him on a long-term deal sharpish. Contract ends 2008 (with option for a further year). vital football opinion: doesn?t have much to live up to, but should be our most reliable ?keeper in years.
2 Paul ?Teflon? Telfer (21/10/71) ? a stop-gap signing to fill the right-back role, his experience should hopefully see him through although struggled to cope at first. Coventry once paid over a million for him you know. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: a man Strach knows well and should be capable enough in his favoured role once he settles.
3 Mohammed ?Mo? Camara (15/6/75) ? pacy, experienced (albeit in the lower divisions) left-back, signed on a Bosman from Burnley. Looked lively in pre-season but had a nightmare in Bratislava. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: not the big name we hoped for as Strach?s first signing, but it?s nice to actually have a recognised left-back in the squad. Had a big job to recover from a nightmare start and still has occasional lapses but is now much improved and even had his name sung by the fans.
4 Adam ?Virgil? Virgo (25/1/83) ? a surprise £1.5m signing from Brighton, a versatile defender who can play at right-back, in the centre or even up front. Arrived with an injury which kept him out for a few weeks and looks a tad heavy even now that he is fit. Contract ends 2009. vital football opinion: seems a little over-priced and overweight, but a promising player.
5 ‘Scooby’ Du Wei (9/2/82) – signed from Shanghai Shenua after a successfull trial period. Played twice at the last World cup and captain of the Chinese Olympic team so has experience. Looked to be a replacement for Bobo Balde but as the Guinean is staying they may play together. Contract ends 2009, although this will be reviewed in January. vital football opinion: hard to predict how a Chinaman will do in the SPL but is highly-rated. May have to force his way in before the end of the year to have a chance.
6 Dianbobo ?Bobo? Balde (10/5/75) ? definite cult hero, superb in the air but inconsistent on the ground. If he could eradicate the odd howler and curb his ? ahem ? ?enthusiasm? at times he could be a great player. Underwent a medical at Middlesbrough last January, but didn?t sign a pre-contract. He was still expected to leave at the end of the season, but then turned around and signed a four-and-half-year extension in February. However, it emerged that this deal allowed him to leave for nothing before September and Bayern Munich seemed to be interested in him. However in yet another twist, he then declared that he was staying. At least that ended the uncertainty ? until he went to Marseilles for talks then changed his mind again. And did the same with Fulham. And then turned down Birmingham. So he is staying for four more years unless we sell him in which we case we can at least get a fee. Contract ends 2009. vital football opinion: had a pretty dreadful season last year but has looked a bit better recently and now that he has committed himself to the club he looks to be settling down. Goes to the African Nations Cup in January.
7 Maciej ?Magic? Zurawski (12/9/76) ? signed from Wisla Krakow for £2m as soon as we knew Craig Bellamy was off to the middle of the Premiership. Prolific scorer in the Polish league and at international level. Slow starter, but it was fairly obvious from the beginning that he has ability and the goals had started to flow before his injury. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: should score a barrowload in the SPL when he?s fully fit, but unfortunately not in Europe.
8 Alan ?Thommo? Thompson (22/12/73) – not an exceptionally gifted player, but a hard worker who contributes massively to the team cause. Just O?Neill?s type of player in fact. Prone to having a stinker now and again, but always an effective battler, the kind which is always required in the middle. The high quality of his crossing from the wings is a bonus. Seems prepared to all but end his career at Celtic, and finally got an England call-up, even if it was a token award. Extended his contract in April ?04, but went on to have a disappointing season by his own standards. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: provides countless assists for Celtic goals over a season as well as scoring his fair share. A big asset to the side, but should learn to control his temper a bit better on the pitch. Fallen out of favour with some fans, but a greta sub to have available.
9 Chris ?Sutty? Sutton (10/3/73) ? a natural goalscorer as well as a traditional target man, but can also play a much more refined role. Learning to cope with Scotland?s eccentric referees has been his biggest challenge. Can do a job in midfield or defence which is useful in a crisis, but he is wasted there. May not be the best partner for John Hartson up front though so found himself moved back regularly again, and that may become an even more regular occurrence with the arrival of Zurawski and the form of Maloney and Beattie. Extended his contract in April and won the Players? Player of the Year award in 2004. Injured in Bratislava and out for a while and injured again in October. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: Makes vital contributions for the club and a magnificent player.
10 ?Big Bad? John Hartson (5/4/75) ? much better player than was generally thought when he arrived. Excellent scoring rate even when not playing regularly, and has developed the happy knack of netting regularly against the Huns. Surprising though that MO?N regularly dropped Sutton to midfield to accommodate him. Top scorer last season. Finally signed a contract extension in January, although only for two years. Won Players? and Writers? Awards which surprised many as he was not even in the top three Celts of the season. Severe competition up front for him now but has made a magnificent start to the new season and reached 100 goals in November. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: now the main target man up front and scoring plenty, but another one not really impressing many fans. We can?t lightly discard a 30-goal a season striker though.
11 Stephen ?Pearo? Pearson (2/10/82) ? a couple of goals early in his Celtic career and positive attitude make things look promising, but didn?t really progress. Six-week injury layoff in December just when he looked to be shaking off poor early-season form was followed by another lengthy spell out. Won Young Player of the Year award in 2004. Seemed to be over his injury problems at last, scored at Tannadice then promptly got injured again. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: Forgotten man and a fresh start elsewhere at the end of the season may be best all round.
16 Roy ?Keano? Keane (10/8/71) ? eventually signed for Celtic at the end of 2005 after years of saying he wanted to. The big question is over where he will play. And whether he can refrain from slagging his team-mates. Or walking out because the training facilities aren?t good enough. Or stay fit enough to play more than a handful of games. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: will have to prove himself all over again on both fitness and ability, but if he is on form he is still a great player.
17 Didier ?Didi? Agathe (16/8/75) – his amazing pace is a weapon that would trouble any side, but the big question is – why the hell doesn?t he use it more regularly! In a one-on-one with a defender, all he has to do is push it past his opponent and run to the bye-line, but he just doesn?t do it often enough, although that is often down to the responsibility of his defensive duties. Can be a match-winner though when he gets his crossing right. The stick he gets from some of the support is totally out of order and MO?N obviously rated him highly. The switch to a much more regular 442 formation saw him play very well as a right-back. Six-week injury layoff in December then a groin operation highlighted how much we miss him, and still not available for the start of the new term. His agent has started making noises about a pay rise, but struggling to regain his place and could be forced out. Contract ends 2006. vital football opinion: surprised many with his defensive capabilities.
18 Neil ?Lenny? Lennon (25/6/71) – a solid hard-working defensive midfielder, but that doesn?t tell the whole story. His detractors bemoan the fact that he isn?t more creative, but that is not his role in the team. He does what he is asked to do ? stop the other team playing – and does it very well. Has had to deal with opponents intent on maiming him, opposition fans continually abusing him and immense off-field pressures but has handled them well. Usually. Had a great season and took a wage cut to extend his stay by a year. Deservedly made club captain. Contract ends 2005. vital football opinion: amazingly playing some of the best football of his career.
19 Stilian ?Stan? Petrov (5/7/79) ? a superb player when on song. Should really be running the show in midfield though and there have been signs recently of him returning to his best form, which is very good indeed. Extended his contract by a couple of years in March 2003 and seems to be ignoring Hristo Stoitchkov?s advice to leave. Fulham apparently want to sign him – for £4m! – but he has pledged to stay at least until the end of his contract. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: looking like the excellent player he can be on a more consistent basis. Strach could do worse than rebuild the team around him ? but in the middle of the park not on the right.
22 David ?Marshy? Marshall (5/3/85) ? found himself suddenly promoted through the ranks after injury to Douglas and Hedman?s problems. Debuted against Feyenoord in a friendly, was then out for a spell with a viral complaint but came back in the under-21s and regular substitute appearances. The fairy-tale began against Barcelona when Douglas was sent off, and continued in the Nou Camp and at Ipox. Very swiftly became a strong candidate for the number one slot and signed a long-term deal. Has shown one or two lapses since, especially on crosses, so was relieved of his duties but looks a good long-term prospect if he can get over the embarrassment of losing his place to Hedman. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: hasn?t progressed as we had all hoped and unsurprisingly lost his place to Boruc.
23 Stanislav ?Stan? Varga (8/10/72) ? went through a spell of excellent form, but has looked increasingly uncertain although that may be down to playing alongside Bobo. Lost his place this term and with the arrival of Virgo and Du Wei will find it hard to regain it. Contract ends 2006. vital football opinion: another great surprise packet unearthed by MO?N but may be reaching the end of the road.
25 Shunsuke ?Naki? Nakamura (24/6/78) ? far and away the most promising signing of the summer, and a real coup for Peter Lawell. Even if he was rubbish (which he isn?t) it?s a real money-spinner as Celtic have secured his image rights. Looks every inch the class player we hoped even though he is still settling in. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: mouth-watering prospect and still find it hard to believe we landed him.
29 Shaun ?Molly? Maloney (24/1/83) ? superb free-kick taker, but has to prove that there is more to his game when he gets a chance. Hasn?t really managed that yet even though he was given a run in the absence of Sutton and Hartson. Cruciate ligament injury in February left him out for nine months, meaning he wasn?t able to benefit immediately from Henrik?s departure. Still signed a new deal though, and rehabilitation went well. Returned to the reserves in November and made a protracted return to the first team, but last season was virtually a write-off. Aberdeen keen to sign him, and his lack of first-team opportunities may have persuaded him to go but getting his chance now. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: looked impressive in his appearances this season, and is starting to take his chances to score more often.
31 Tony ?McP? McParland (20/9/82) ? injured for almost the whole of last season, but the midfielder has signed a new two-year contract and is now back playing for the reserves. Played a small part in pre-season. Lost his squad number to Naka though, which isn’t a good sign. Went on trial at Coventry in November. Contract ends 2006. vital football opinion: given his age will have to make the step up to the first team soon or make the big decision to leave.
33 Ross ?Rosco? Wallace (23/5/85) ? the young left-winger was highly admired by MO?N and all the coaches at Celtic Park. Signed a long-term deal and got a regular place in the squad. Hasn?t quite fulfilled that promise though, still only showing in patches. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: will have to progress quite a bit to have a future.
35 Paul ?Lawman? Lawson (15/5/84) ? formerly under-19 and now reserve captain from Aberdeen has played for Scotland Under-21s. Steady, hard-working holding midfielder. Brother-in-law of the Dons? Russell Anderson. Made it as far as the bench for the first-team in the SPL and in the Nou Camp and seems set to fight for a regular place there. (The bench, not the Nou Camp). Played in pre-season and travelled with the squad for the first European game. Made his full debut as a sub at Dunfermline in August and signed a contract extension in December. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: could be the next youngster to make the breakthrough.
37 Craig ?Beatts? Beattie (16/1/84) – looks like the eldest son in a crap sit-com but we won?t hold that against him. Worryingly inconsistent when he first came into the side, sometimes abysmal sometimes scintillating, especially when played wide. Perhaps surprisingly, given other arrivals, extended his contract in July 2005. Even more surprisingly, turned out at right-back in pre-season but that looks like a one-off. Looked very good in his first few appearances of the new term, playing and scoring regularly until another injury. Made his Scotland debut in September. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: Improving all the time and getting a run in the team helped.
38 Rocco ?Rocky? Quinn (7/9/86)? Scottish youth international central midfielder, moved up to reserves. The new Liam Miller perhaps, but has now moved to play up front. Been on the first team bench. Signed new three-year deal in March 2005. Contract ends: 2008. vital football opinion: obviously a lot of faith in the youngster from the management.
39 Charles ?Charlie? Mulgrew (6/3/86) ? versatile Scottish under-18 internationalist who can play in central defence, left-back or even left midfield. Signed a three-and-a-half-year contract in November and given a squad number. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: given the defensive problems might just get a chance.
40 Michael ?Midge? Gardyne (23/1/86) ? Scottish under-19 international attacking midfielder. Bags of ability. Signed a three-and-a-half-year contract in November. Impressed against Leeds in pre-season, was included in the European squad and can expect to warm the bench a bit this season. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: could be an able deputy for Naka when required.
41 John ?JFK? Kennedy (18/8/83) – was briefly the youngest Celt ever when he played in the last days of Dalglish. Very capable defender. Turned down a move to Dundee United and may just have a future at the club. Horror injury when playing for Scotland meant that last term was a write-off, but deservedly still got a new contract. Returned to training at last in October 2005 but suffered a quick setback and looks set to miss the whole season. Signed another year’s contract extension though. Contract ends 2007. vital football opinion: let?s hope he returns to full fitness in 2006.
42 Michael ?Eminem? McGlinchey (7/1/87) – Scottish under-19 left-winger but versatile enough to play as a striker, and already getting a game with the reserves and given a squad number. Signed a new contract in September 2005. Contract ends 2009. vital football opinion: may need to bulk up a bit.
43 Diarmuid ?Dub? O?Carroll ? Kerry-born striker signed from Home Farm, in the Irish under-19 side. Suffered pubic bone injury but now fit again. Signed a new contract in September 2005. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: perhaps surprising that he was given a squad number as he must be pretty far away from a game, but a new contract also gives him hope.
44 Stephen ?Mick? McManus (10/9/82) – left-sided defender. Looked like the young defender would be moving to either Liverpool or Spurs last term, but decided to stay until the end of last season but stayed on for another year. Collision with advertising hoarding at Almondvale came at a bad time as he was just beginning to look settled in the troublesome left-back role but is now back and playing regularly in the centre. Currently in negotiations for a longer deal. Contract ends 2005. vital football opinion: promising first few appearances earned him a new deal, and he took advantage of others? loss of form and injury to stake a first-team claim.
46 Aiden ?Aidy? McGeady (4/4/86) ? 18-year-old Irish (although born and bred in Glasgow his grandparents are from Donegal) youth international striker, can also play on either wing. Rave reviews from several sources and eventually made his first-team debut at Tynecastle in April where he scored. A sponsorship deal with Adidas and a page on icons.com also showed his potential, and he made his Irish debut in a friendly in June. Signed a four-year deal before Man Utd found out about him. Looked like becoming a regular but has faded a lot and was rested for a spell. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: another in the long line of exciting prospects, but this one looks a bit more promising than most. As long as he keeps progressing (learning when to pass rather than shoot for instance) he could be a gem.
47 Michael ?Govs The Gloves? McGovern (12/7/84) ? North of Ireland under-21 international ?keeper moved up from under-18s and got a place on the bench for the big team too. Older than Marshall, and hoping to earn a chance soon. Came on as a sub in Henrik?s farewell match. Joined Stranraer on loan for the rest of the season in January and helped them to promotion, but strangely wasn?t allowed to play in the Scottish Cup. Lost his shirt number to Bellamy which wasn?t a good sign, but looks likely to sign a new one-year deal now that he is back and should be third-choice ?keeper. Contract ends 2005. vital football opinion: another ?keeper gaining rapid promotion after glowing reports.
48 Darren ?Doddy? O?Dea (4/2/87) ? young Irish centre-half from Monkstown in their under-19 team, signed from Home Farm. Can also play at left-back. Made six appearances for the under-21s and broke through to the first team squad in pre-season matches last year. Signed a new contract in September 2005. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: fighting it out with Cuthbert in the race for a debut and may just be edging ahead.
49 Scott ?Scotty? Cuthbert (15/6/87) ? Scottish under-19 international striker turned central defender. Very good in the air. Made first appearances in pre-season 2004, and been a sub for league games. Signed new contract in November. Contract ends 2008. vital football opinion: still poised for the big breakthrough.
50 Gary ?Irvo? Irvine ? 19-year-old Scottish international right-back for the youths, now involved with the reserves. Has also been played in midfield and even wide on the right. Nephew of ex-Aberdeen player Brian Irvine. Voted ?most promising player at the club? in 2004. Given a contract renewal in June 2004. Started a couple of pre-season friendlies which suggested that he was in line for the right-back slot, but sadly broke a bone in his foot in the second of those and will be out for a few months. May have hoped for a slightly smaller squad number! Contract ends 2006. vital football opinion: maybe the most promising of all the youngsters.
On The Fringes – haven?t heard of any departures this time, so think we still have all of these:
Theodor ?Teddy? Elmar Bjarnason (4/3/87) ? skilful Icelandic under-19 midfielder signed from KR Reykjavik earning rave reviews in the under-19s, involved with the reserves and may be a surprise first-team player sooner than expected. Contract ends 2007.
Kjartan ?Karty? Henry Finnbogason (9/7/86) ? powerful Icelandic under-21 striker signed from KR Reykjavik. Scored on his debut for the under-19s and has continued to find the net regularly. Good on the ground as well as in the air. Looks a real prospect so perhaps surprising he hasn?t been given a squad number. Contract ends 2007.
Ross ‘Harry’ Harris (16/4/85) ? youth right-winger can also play as a striker. Pictured in the Broomloan Road Stand celebrating a Celtic goal so no doubt about his affinities! Was out for almost a year with a pubic bone injury but returned in February. Signed a one-and-a-half-year contract in November. Contract ends 2006.
Stephen ?Steeds? Low ? under-19 captain and Scottish international central defender now with reserves. Had trial with St. Johnstone but they opted not to sign him. Contract expired in 2004 so may have left.
Craig ‘Reidy’ Reid (26/2/86) ? right-sided youth defender suffered lengthy injury last season but now fit again. Signed a three-and-a-half-year contract in November. Contract ends 2008.
Jim ‘Jimbo’ O?Brien (28/9/87) ? right-sided attacking wide midfielder or striker. Very fast. Signed a three-and-a-half-year contract in November and scoring loads for the Under-19s playing as a centre-forward. Born in Dumbarton but chose to represent Ireland over Scotland despite representing the Scots at Under-17 level. Contract ends 2008.
Ryan ‘Connie’ Conroy (28/4/87) ? Scottish under-19 left-sided midfielder or wing-back, great crosser of the ball. Signed a three-and-a-half-year contract in November. Contract ends 2008.
Sandy ‘Woody’ Wood ? youth ?keeper signed from Montrose. Been substitute for reserves.
Jakob ?Jake? Lensky (16/12/88) ?Canadian left-sided midfield wonderkid signed on a pre-contract from Vancouver College after a trial with the under-17s. Played a lot in Europe as a youngster due to having a Czech father and turned down Blackburn and Manchester United. Signed a three-year deal when he turned 16, and already involved with the under-19s. Contract ends 2007.
Nicky ‘Nicky-bhoy’ Riley ? youth striker/winger/midfielder.
Steven ‘Jacko’ Jack ? midfielder playing for reserves occasionally.
Michael ‘Robbo’ Robertson ? youth ?keeper.
Scott ‘Basil’ Fox ? Scottish youth ?keeper, already played for the reserves and made it into the Scottish international set-up. Prone to the odd fumble but improving all the time.
Owen ‘Jonesy’ Jones (7/4/89) ? big under-17s ?keeper who?s made it as far as the bench for the reserves.
‘Barker’ Barclay ? think he?s a ?keeper (how many do we have?).
Gary ‘Walshy’ Walsh ? Irish youth defender/midfielder. Very comfortable on the ball.
Pat ‘Scully’ Scullion ? youth centre half currently out with a cartilage injury.
Liam ‘Mitch’ Mitchell ? youth defender.
Anthony ‘Tony’ Eadie ? youth defender.
Mark ‘Marko’ Cassidy – youth midfielder.
Christopher ‘Cormo’ McCormack ? youth full-back.
Dean ‘Richie’ Richardson ? Scottish under-17 left-back. Suffered leg-break then pubic bone injury, but now back to fitness.
David ‘Pinko’ Pinkowski ? tall youth midfielder now recovered from injury.
James ‘Elly’ Elliott ?midfielder in under-19s.
Kirk ‘Douglas’ Hudson ? pacy Arsenal-supporting English striker in under-19s. Recommended by his agent, Paul Elliott.
Ryan ‘Rybo’ McCafferty ? youth right-back or central defender from Denny.
Paul ‘Govo’ McGovern ? youth signed until 2005.
Simon ‘Renfrew’ Ferry ? youth attacking midfielder from Dundee, in Scottish under-19 squad. Starred in Youth Cup Final. Described as a Lennon/McStay combination. Which would be nice.
Charlie ‘Granty’ Grant ? diminutive Scottish youth under-19 international midfielder, bit of a Neil Lennon clone which could be handy. One of the older group of youth players so will have to step up soon.
Chris ‘Nicks’ Nicholson ? 15-year old goalkeeper from Athlone.
Mark ‘Marky’Millar ? Scottish under-17 international right-sided midfielder from Port Glasgow who has worked his way up fom the under-11s and has now moved up to under-19s where he has also played up front and is scoring regularly.
Paul ?Hutchie? Hutchinson ? under-19 Geordie centre-half although he was signed from Sunderland. Contract ends 2006.
Gareth ‘Chris’ Christie ? youth defender.
Paul ?Gowser? McGowan ? slightly-built right-sided 17-year-old attacking midfielder has also played as a striker. Has a real eye for goal.
Andy ‘Traubo’ Traub ? tall Scottish centre-half involved with the under-19s despite being only 16. Signed a one-year deal in January 2005.
Kevin ‘Kev’ Ross (10/6/89) ? tall right-sided Scottish central defender who came through the academy. Progress hampered by injury.
Stephen ‘Cod’ Roe ? defender wanted by Sligo Rovers.
Mark ‘Staunty’ Staunton (30/1/89) ? powerful Scottish under-16 international central defender.
Ross ‘Hep’ Hepburn (24/5/89) – Scottish under-16 international central midfielder from Glasgow.
Kevin ‘Cas’ Cawley – Scottish under-17 deep-lying striker.
Paul ‘Caddy’ Caddis ? youth right-bac k who used to be with Rangers youths but we won’t hold that against him as he is a Celtic fan. Started out as a forward. Contract ends 2006.
Graeme ‘Caro’ Carey (20/5/89) ? under-19s left-sided midfielder from Shelbourne, can also play wide left or up front, played and scored for Ireland Under-17s.
Paul ‘Frank’ Skinner (3/2/89) – Dublin goalkeeper from Lourdes Celtic, played for Ireland Under-17s. Not the tallest, but confident in the air and on the ground.
Patrick ‘Creggy’ Cregg ? Irish youth international at Arsenal, playing as a trialist in his homeland pre-season.
Jason ‘Marro’ Marr (23/2/89) ? under-17 right-back who came through the academy, now involved with the under-19s.
Carlo ‘Monty’ Monti (23/2/89) ? stocky under-17 Scottish international left-back .
David ‘Worthy’ Wotherspoon (23/2/89) ? under-16 Scottish international midfielder .
Brian ‘Mac’ McEwan (23/2/89) ? stylish under-17 central defender/sweeper who may have to fill ot a bit.
Paul ‘Caho’ Cahillane (4/3/89) – small left-footed midfielder/striker signed from Belvidere FC, involved with the under-19s and played for Ireland Under-17s. Can play wide, but bot the best crosser.
Paul ‘Inny’ McInnes (23/2/89) ? under-17 central midfielder.
Gary ‘Livvy’ Livingstone (23/2/89) ? under-17 striker.
John ‘Gouchy’ McGeoch? striker who has appeared for the under-19s.
Tim ‘Kylie’ Kiely (7/3/89) ? Irish striker from St. Michael’s FC, injured after signing but now recovering.
Sean ‘Andy’ Anderson (15/6/89) – versatile midfielder who came through the academy in Dundee.
Kevin ‘Collie’ Cauley – Scottish under-16 international.
Michael ‘Tiddler’ Tidser (23/2/89) ? under-17 central midfielder.
Michael ‘Gra’ Graham (23/2/89) ? Scotland international under-17 striker.
Jack ‘Boyley’ Boyle’ – young midfielder who represents Jersey.
Gary ‘Dunph’ Dunphy.