It's another tough week in store for Celtic.
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When you're winning, the big games come thick and fast. Though, as I said before: I wouldn't have it any other way.
Today's date is 22nd March. Since March began, we have already played six games. Those games were Teplice away, Rangers in the Scottish Cup, Barcelona at home, Motherwell at home and Dundee and Hibs away.
It has certainly been a tough schedule, but Celtic have done fantastic. As March progresses further, the fixtures just keep on coming.
On Thursday night we travel to Barcelona, for the return leg of our UEFA Cup fourth round tie. Even with what we achieved last year, this could possibly be described as the biggest game in Celtic's recent history. The sheer fact that we are playing FC Barcelona in the Nou Camp, representing Scotland in Europe, sends shivers down my spine. It is the stuff that dreams are made of. | From this... |
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The only let down in the whole Barcelona affair so far, has been the distribution of tickets. As far as I am aware, the investors in the club are to take 1,000 of the 5,000 tickets we have been allocated. The investors will be placed into a ballot, and picked at random. They are then able to pass on their tickets to whoever they like. The remainder of the Celtic end tickets have been distributed through the away registration scheme, and Lonsdale Travel, who have been given 1,000 tickets.
I am dissapointed that for such a high profile and glamorous tie, we have been allocated only 5,000 briefs. Celtic supporters will be outnumbered roughly 20:1, if the Barca end is full - which is highly unlikely. The UEFA Cup is not the Catalan club's priority, and I am sure that tickets will be easily consumed in Barcelona.
As for the game, it is looking more and more likely that Chris Sutton will be announced fit. According to all sources, the big man is getting better and will probably be risked for Thursday. Stanislav Varga is also hopeful of starting the game, Martin O'Neill said yesterday that he was unavailable for the Hibs game, but is progressing for Catalan. We will find out tomorrow whether Rab Douglas will have his red card banished.
Barcelona won 1-0 last night. A late Ronaldinho free-kick gave them the 3 points over struggling Real Sociedad. They have picked up a few injuries in the past couple of weeks, and Edgar Davids and Motta are ineligible for the game.
Obviously it is going to be difficult, but the way to think of it is Barcelona need to score two goals to win the game. If we score (which we are well capable of doing), we are in with a massive chace of going through. However, it's win, lose or draw with this one, and there is no shame in taking a humping in the Nou Camp.
From Sunny Barcelona to Castle Greyskull. It's Ibrox on Sunday and no matter what anyone says, the game is meaningless. If we get beat or draw, who cares? The league is won and it is won by the length of Argyll Street!  | ...to this! |
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There is nothing better than giving the huns a tanking at Ibrox, and I would love to see us take another 3 points off of them on Sunday. However, the truth is we have got bigger fish to fry, and every effort should be put in to getting a result in Spain. The truth is, we can beat Rangers any time.
Next Sunday night, we could be on cloud nine, after progressing to the UEFA Cup quater finals and giving the huns a doing at Ibrox again. On the other hand, we could be eliminated from the UEFA Cup by one of Europe's greatest ever teams and only be 13 points ahead in the leage Championship.
We are Celtic, and as the song goes, "We don't care if we win, lose or draw!"
Adios, and enjoy the week ahead. |
