Celtic

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

"I did get a feeling early on with Henrik that it would click and we would work well with each other."

One hundred and forty-four matches, 109 wins, and six major trophies later, it's fair to say Chris Sutton got rather more than he bargained for when he linked up with Henrik Larsson.

Seldom before or since has a strike partnership been so efficient and entertaining for Celtic, with fans pining for something similar ever since.

Speaking to BBC Scotland for a new series of Icons of Football, with an episode centring on Larsson, the former Blackburn striker says the almost psychic understanding in their play together wasn't an accident.

"We did discuss it, but that understanding comes from training, it comes from playing, and it comes from building that relationship," Sutton says.

"And then it's knowing what suits each other. My role in the team was to be the link man, the foil.

"Henrik was quicker than me - and let's be honest, most people were quicker than me - so I always had to have that awareness.

"If we were playing against quite a high line, I'd hold the ball and clip it in behind and Henrik would already be on the move.

"So as soon as the ball's on the way to me, I know that if I can help it into space, Henrik would be going, and the opposition defence would be getting deeper."

It wasn't all tactical intricacies or in-depth discussions about every game, either.

Sutton and Larsson based their link-up play on a foundation of the basics: hard work, clear communication, and a clear understanding of each other's roles.

In their 144 matches together, Larsson bagged a hugely impressive 130 goals, while Sutton notched 66, with both players assisting the other 12 times.

Sutton adds: "That was our thing - always working hard to make sure we stayed within 10 or 15 yards of each other. Then it didn't matter who the defenders were; you work little combinations and little moves.

"I was relatively experienced, albeit after an iffy season at Chelsea the year before. But I did get a feeling early on with Henrik that it would click and we would work well with each other.

"When things are telepathic, you just know where somebody is. I'm sitting here now and I can imagine Larsson over my shoulder, but that was because of Henrik's intelligence.

"As a player, there's nothing better than walking on to the field knowing that if you get the right service and the right ball, you can cause any defence all sorts of problems.

"I think when we were in our pomp, that's what we could do - and certainly Henrik was the main guy."

WATCH: Icons of Football: Henrik Larsson on BBC Scotland on Thursday, 7 May at 22:00 BST

Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images

Celtic have joined the list of clubs keeping tabs on Wolfsberger goalkeeper Nikolas Polster, who has been compared to Manuel Neuer (Daily Mail)., external

Several clubs are interested in signing Celtic forward Benjamin Nygren this summer (Fabrizio Romano on X), external.

We asked for your views after Celtic edged past 10-man Hibernian to move level on points at the Scottish Premiership summit.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Stephen: Celtic got there in the end but, man, that was hard work and nervy again. If they hadn't won, I think that handball call that wasn't made at Hibs' goal would have been spoken about more. Can anyone explain why it wasn't given?

Kev: Just about deserved it. The lateral passing against 10 men beggars belief. Be positive, go forward and don't be afraid to have a shot. Once again, Liam Scales' poor passing caused a goal, helped by shocking goalkeeping. We still found a way, however. It's going to the wire. We've been there and done it before. Martin O'Neill should have a statue made for him if he manages to win the league after the mess he came into.

Neil: Three points are essential at this point in proceedings. We should have been 3-0 up by half-time but the performance lacked tempo and some composure in front of goal. Good to see Alistair Johnston back. Big week ahead.

Ian: Inching our way towards the title! We could have been 4-0 up at half-time. It could have finished 2-2 in the dying moments and all been over. What a season! Ageing quietly here with every game, but if we can somehow pull this off, it'll all be worth it.

Spike: What's the point in being negative when there are three games to go and nine points would probably deliver the title? Hard games coming up, however somehow Celtic keep getting over the line. It's all down to the manager and bringing unity back to the club, at least for the run-in.

Sting: Nail-biting until the final whistle. Celtic's lack of goalscoring ability up front almost cost them the game, as well as the lack of real defensive skill, which is the number one requirement if you are going to play a passing-out-from-defence game. As good a stopper as Scales is, he makes at least one blunder per game which, in this case, was followed by a comedy of errors and led to the equaliser. What a great season though, with every game for each of the top three being a must-win from the split!

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill thinks Kelechi Iheanacho would benefit from a full pre-season should the club extend the 29-year-old striker's contract beyond this summer. (The National), external

Celtic centre-half Hayato Inamura says countryman Daizen Maeda has urged him to return and make another attempt to have an impact in Europe after the 23-year-old's loan spell back in their Japanese homeland with Tokyo. (The Herald), external

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Hibernian captain Joe Newell says he feared his equaliser against Celtic was going to be ruled out when a VAR check was announced for a potential handball by the midfielder.

The goal was allowed to stand due to insufficient evidence being shown to the VAR, Don Robertson, therefore the on-field decision of a goal stood.

Newell, whose side went on to lose the game 2-1, says the rules regarding the incident are fairly complex for everyone involved.

"To be completely honest, who knows the rules anymore? I don't know. Being completely honest, I thought my arm was by my side for starters," he said.

"I haven't seen any replay, that's the truth. So I don't know. But just from what I remember, I felt like it was kind of between my hip bone and my arm.

"And I don't know if it hit it or not. But I didn't have that elation because I kind of thought, hmm, who knows now.

"And then when it was getting checked and it was an offside check and a handball check, you're kind of thinking, oh, it's not going to go your way. I've not seen any replays or anything.

"So I don't actually know. But yeah, who knows anymore? I don't know. You know the rule. I don't know the rule. Who knows?".

Celtic scored a winner in the second half, but Newell says his team are giving themselves mountains to climb by having players sent off.

Jamie McGrath was the fourth Hibs player to see red in their past three matches.

"There's a lot to be done with 10 men again," he said. "The boys dug in as expected. As I would expect, as everyone kind of expects of that group.

"But we fell short. It's a bit of a killer that comes from a set-piece. You kind of always feel like that can be avoided. So on the whole, I thought we defended really well again.

"I feel like we just were not giving ourselves enough of a chance - nowhere near enough of a chance - to get a foothold in any game."

The official attendance was over 18,000, but there were huge gaps where Hibs season ticket holders decided not to attend.

Some Hibs fans were not concerned about losing on Sunday because the result would not have aided Hearts' chances of winning the title.

Newell says he could sense the atmosphere was not quite what he would expect for such an important game.

"Going out for the warm-up, you can see the crowd. I don't know the exact numbers, but you can see it was a bit lower than usual," he added.

"One thing I would say, I completely get it. I've got plenty of mates who are Hibs fans and they've all been speaking to me. So I completely understand the situation.

"But you play for Hibernian Football Club. This is a massive, massive club - a massive privilege.

"So every time you go out there, you're expected to play for the fans, for the people who turn up, for the club, the manager, yourself and the team. And that's the way it was."

Watch Celtic boost their Scottish Premiership title bid by edging out 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road.

Available in UK only

Celtic laboured to take advantage of Hibernian's fourth red card in three games before securing a victory that lifts them level on points with Heart of Midlothian at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say on the game here.

Image source, SNS

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill told BBC Sportsound: "I thought we started really brightly with a couple of good chances but we couldn't take them. We got a goal in front and there was a man sent off so you think we should be really comfortable.

"We conceded a really poor goal just before half time and it changes the complexion of the game with Hibs having something to hold on to and they defended very well.

"Iheanacho comes off the bench and wins the game for us, in a game you thought we would be comfortable but it was an edgy ending.

"We've played some really decent stuff but we had to defend towards the end. Of course there was an anxiety before the goal but we got there. It's natural there would be anxiety with our supporters and maybe with the manager too.

"We've just got to take each game on its merit. You can't control anything else."

Celtic now sit just below league leaders Hearts on goal difference before the Tynecastle side face Rangers at home on Monday evening.

The Celtic manager said he would be watching the game but says the most important thing from his side is that Celtic have won their game.

"What do I want for tomorrow? I genuinely don't know. We've won today so there's a bit of relief for 24 hours.

"Even if we win the three games at this minute, it doesn't guarantee winning the league. The margin of error is very small and it seems like I've been saying that for months. It is what it is."

Image source, Getty Images

Celtic have registered an interest in 24-year-old West Bromwich Albion and United States defender George Campbell. (Celts Are Here), external

Celtic have fallen behind in the race to sign 22-year-old midfielder Issa Doumbia as some Premier League clubs are interested, while Serie A clubs are likely to follow, in the 22-year-old who Venezia value at £12m. (Football Insider), external

Former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati is on the shortlist to take charge of former European champions Steaua Bucharest. (Scottish Sun), external

Image source, SNS

Winger Sebastian Tounekti is urging Celtic to "be at their best" for the final four games of this season's "funny" title race.

Celtic are three points behind league leaders Hearts and one above Rangers who head to Tynecastle on Monday evening and Tounekti has been enjoying being part of a proper title fight.

"It's crazy," the 23-year-old said.

"I think you have the expectation when you come to Celtic that maybe it's always going to be like a two-horse race between us and Rangers, but Hearts have been really good for this whole year, so it's funny to be in, it's quite exciting also.

"For us, it's all about us and trying to take it per match and trying to improve in every game."

Celtic are away to Hibs on Sunday and would go level on points with the league leaders before their game on Monday night.

"We know that if we do our best and when we are at our best, then we have a big chance to go the whole way," Tounekti added.

"I think everybody is impressed, you can say whatever you want, but they have been doing really good through the whole season, so credit to them.

"We just have to focus on ourselves. We want to improve and, of course, we want to win it and we have to start on Sunday and win that game."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian trio Grant Hanley, Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack are suspended, while Rudi Molotnikov (ankle) and Munashe Garananga (hamstring) are still out. Josh Mulligan has a chance of being involved after an ankle injury.

Martin O'Neill has no new injuries. Jota (knee), Colby Donovan (hamstring), Julian Araujo (thigh), Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) remain out.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, 39, may require three further operations after having undergone initial surgery on his damaged shoulder. (Sun), external

Meanwhile, Celtic's long-term injured defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, 28, has resumed training but on-loan Borussia Monchengladbach forward Tomas Cvancara's season could be over because of the 25-year-old's groin strain that may require minor surgery. (Record), external

And Celtic forward Callum Osmand, 20, is not quite ready for a first-team return but has featured for the B team. (Glasgow Times), external

Hibernian head coach David Gray is sure of full support from the home fans when second-placed Celtic visit Easter Road on Sunday, after suggestions Hibs fans would prefer Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts not to win the league. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Rangers are unhappy the SPFL have backed Celtic in the clubs' ticketing row over next Sunday's derby match at Celtic Park, with the Ibrox club faced with the decision whether or not to take up an allocation on condition the Union Bears supporters group do not attend. (Record), external

And former Rangers manager and captain Barry Ferguson fears a return to no away supporters at future Old Firm games. (Herald - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill admits he will be "glued" to Hearts v Rangers on Monday night.

The Parkhead club are the first of the top three to play this weekend when they travel to Easter Road on Sunday where a win would move them joint on points with Hearts.

If Rangers then win in Gorgie, the trio of title challengers would only be separated by one point with three matches remaining.

And O'Neill, whose team still have to host Rangers and Hearts, will be keeping a close eye on proceedings at Tynecastle.

"I know that some managers say, oh well don't bother, they'll go for a walk or do something," he said.

"No, I'm glued to it. Don't you worry, I'll be there. If you're asking who I'm cheering on, I have no idea. Don't even ask, I have no idea.

"It depends on how we do, if we don't win the game [on Sunday] that becomes a different thought process, but at the end of it all of course I'll be watching because we have to play those teams."

O'Neill praised his side's response since the 2-0 defeat at Dundee United, which has been followed by three successive league victories and an extra-time win over St Mirren to set up a Scottish Cup final against Neil Lennon's Dunfermline.

Referring to the Tannadice defeat, he said: "I thought it was a big three points dropped. I didn't feel we were out of it at that stage. I just didn't because I thought there were twists and turns, as it's been proved.

"It put us under enormous pressure to come and win our games, which we've done since that.

"There's still a distance to go but we've fought back, we got the late goal, [Kelechi] Iheanacho at Dens Park, which was big, and we followed it up by beating St Mirren and Falkirk.

"So we're winning some matches. We've got a lot of work to do but we're still there fighting for the chance."

Image source, SNS

Scott Allan knows a Hearts title win is the "worst nightmare" of Hibs fans - but insists David Gray's players will have no thoughts of taking it easy against Celtic on Sunday.

A win for Celtic at Easter Road would move them level on points with Hibs' Edinburgh rivals Hearts at the top.

Hibs still have their own targets to chase, with Motherwell six points clear in fourth, which is the final guaranteed European spot.

Former midfielder Allan, who played for Hibs and Celtic, told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast: "I know a lot of Hibs fans from Edinburgh who would be quite happy if their team maybe don't win on Sunday, which is incredible.

"For a Hibs fan, their worst nightmare is Hearts winning the league. There's no getting away from that.

"When you're a player of a club, you just don't have that mindset. So they'll be going out feeling they can get a win and they've shown they can beat Celtic.

"They obviously won at Parkhead, they made it hard at Easter Road. Historically, over the last few years it has been a difficult place for Celtic to go.

"I think Hibs have some some really good players within their squad. Felix Passlack will be a big miss. He's been excellent since he came in in January.

"But it's a game David Gray and his players will think, 'If we can get three points and if something could happen in our favour when Falkirk face Motherwell, then we will edge closer [to fourth spot] again.'

"And then they play each other on the last game of the season, that could end up being an incredible game if Hibs manage to close that gap."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's trip to Hibernian.

Here are the main points:

• There are no fresh injury concerns and Alistair Johnston, who made his comeback off the bench last weekend, has "done a week's work too, so that's encouraging". O'Neill later told Sky Sports that Cameron Carter-Vickers "joined in training" but is still a "distance" from playing.

• O'Neill stresses Sunday's trip to Easter Road is "a really, really big game" for his side and "a really difficult task".

• While O'Neill "understands that maybe some Hibs fans wouldn't want Hearts to win the league" he insists "that won't cross over to their team selection or the players".

• He adds: "I'm quite sure here it would be something similar for some Celtic fans who might not want their closest rivals to win."

• Celtic play first of the top three this weekend but O'Neill stresses it is "only an advantage if you win".

• The 74-year-old admits he will be "glued" to the Hearts v Rangers game on Monday night and says: "If you're asking who I'm cheering on, I have no idea. Depending on how we do, I might."

• Asked if he'd be cheering third-place Rangers on, O'Neill says: "I might not go that far."

• Looking back on the defeat at Dundee United, O'Neill says it was a "big setback, but I didn't think it was fatal" and is pleased his side have won all their games since.

• On the title race: "We've got a lot of work to do but we're still there fighting for the chance."

• Daizen Maeda's return to form is "very encouraging for us" and O'Neill admits: "I don't think we would have the ability to carry two players well below their form in games. You might have been able to have done it August, September, but not now."

• On the away ticket dispute between Celtic and Rangers for the upcoming derby at Parkhead, O'Neill was reluctant to comment because "the decision has not been made yet".

Image source, SNS

Are Celtic now favourites for the Scottish Premiership title?

Former Rangers and Hearts midfielder Andy Halliday seems to think so despite having all but written them off last week.

Martin O'Neill's side were third in the Premiership heading into the split, one point behind Rangers and three adrift of Hearts.

But after last weekend's win over Falkirk and Rangers' defeat to Motherwell, Celtic leapfrogged Rangers to go second, still three points off the leaders.

If Celtic win at Hibs on Sunday and Rangers beat Hearts on Monday, the Parkhead club would be joint on points with Derek McInnes' side with a home game against the Jambos still to come.

"I definitely think they've improved," Halliday told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"And the main improvement that's come from Celtic has been off the ball. I think their energy and their intensity to press at the top end of the pitch is making it really difficult for opposition players.

"I must admit having watched the game in the Sportsound studio last weekend, I do think the fans made a difference at Celtic Park.

"I don't know if it's just this stage of the season, in a really tight title race, but I think that transferred on to the pitch with Celtic playing with a different type of energy.

"Last week when I was sitting on the podcast on Friday morning I had Celtic third favourites. I probably have them favourites now. That's just how much it can easily change within this league this year."

Celtic are linked with a move for Polish defender Oskar Wojcik this summer, after seeing a bid rejected in January. (Daily Record, external)

But Frank Lampard's Premier League-bound Coventry City could be rivals for Wojcik's signature. (Glasgow World, external)

Former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is among the contenders to take charge at Ligue 1 side Nancy for next season. (Scottish Sun, external)

Image source, SNS

Martin O'Neill feels Celtic have momentum for the "monumental" remaining games after their winning run landed him the Premiership manager of the month award.

The Northern Irishman guided Celtic to three league wins from three - against Dundee, St Mirren and Falkirk - in April.

Celtic also reached their fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final, beating St Mirren 6-2 after extra time.

With four league matches left, second-place Celtic head to face Hibs on Sunday three points behind long-time Premiership leaders Hearts, who host Rangers on Monday.

"Coming back from the international break and we had just lost at Tannadice against Dundee United, then you just have to win the games coming back," said O'Neill.

"So reset, or mindset or whatever it was, we got the late goal at Dundee and we've gone on from then.

"It's great, it's just nice to still be in the hunt at this stage. At this minute we are on a decent run, we're getting results at this moment and the team are just gelling."

O'Neill senses more unity at the club after fans put protests against the board aside and ultras group the Green Brigade were recently allowed back in the stadium after a six-month ban.

"Even the welcome we got when the bus pulled in before kick-off [against Falkirk last week] was terrific," he said. "That's not been around for some time. The support we got was magnificent, absolutely magnificent.

"They stayed with us. It was lovely to get that feeling at Celtic Park, it took me back years and years and years.

"It's massive, absolutely massive. When I came here the second spell in January, a bit of mayhem around and I thought, the players won't mind, they can play through this.

"But the difference here between then and now, with the crowd behind us, you can actually feel it within the dressing room, the players are up for it. It's like anything else, encouragement rather than discouragement is a massive boost to us."

O'Neill is manager of the month for the second time this season, having won the award in November during his first interim spell.

"Even at 74 years of age, it's still actually nice to get it," he said.

"But this is for work by the players and the coaches and I have seriously played a little part in the proceedings – but not as much as I should be in getting this award."

Image source, SNS

Captain Joe Newell has dismissed any notion Hibs will "lie down" to Celtic on Sunday.

A draw or victory for David Gray's side at Easter Road would help the title bid of Edinburgh rivals Hearts, who hold a three-point lead over Celtic with four games remaining.

Some Hibs fans would prefer their side to lose - but Newell is adamant there will be no easing off as they try to catch Motherwell in fourth.

"I completely get it," Newell said.

"The fact we're having the conversation shows there's obviously feelings like that, but you can only control what you can control.

"We're a group of professional athletes. We fight with each other over five-a-sides in training, so if you think we're going to lie down in front of thousands of people, in front of the Sky cameras, you're wrong.

"We'll be doing our utmost to win the game of football, it's as simple as that.

"Obviously, you see and hear things [from supporters], but the message throughout is obvious. Straight away, I can assure you there's no thinking of that.

"You play for this club, you're expected to do as well as you can. We've got our own targets that we haven't achieved yet and we need to, so in that respect, it's straightforward."