After Celtic’s 4-2 away win at Jablonec in tonight’s Europa League qualifier, Ange Postecoglou’s team sets up a very comfortable second leg tie at Celtic Park next week.
Goals from Abada, Furuhashi, Forrest and Christie leave Celtic looking at a group stage play off tie with AZ Alkmaar but only if they see out the second leg next Thursday night which looks 100% certain going by tonight’s performance.
Former Celtic striker, John Hartson, was less than impressed and he seemed to go on an unwarranted rant on his full time analysis on BBC Scotland as he rued missed opportunities to score more goals but also seriously questioned the defensive display that say the Czech’s manage to score two goals tonight, “One of the goals came from Turnbull giving the ball away sloppily.
“We’re not putting teams to the sword. How many opportunities do Celtic need to go and score goals at this level?
“How many chances do you want? Celtic could have won six two tonight, if they took their chances.
“They had opportunities against Midtjylland home and way to put the game to bed and they’re just not doing that.
“And we keep saying yes it will come. We need more. We’re talking about tonight’s game. And luckily score line looks quite respectable now at four two.
“Ryan Christie has scored a really good header. Celtic will get through next week but I was worried about our defensive.
“I worry badly about our defence.”
There is no doubt that the defence needs work but with Starfelt only making his second competitive alongside Bitton who, lets face it, will not be anywhere near the first team line up when Julien returns from injury.
Where Hartson’s comments really necessary when Celtic have been on the back end of some punditry hidings over their last few performances? I think not but so far the signs of improvement are there, and they are encouraging.