Weekly Review

Last updated : 18 August 2003 By Kevin Smith
It's been another decent week for Celtic.  With nine goals in two games, there isn't much to complain about.

Wednesday night saw a 4-0 victory in Hungary against MTK Hungarias.  Celtic played great and deserved the victory.  The tie is now technically over, Martin O'Neill can afford to rest a few of the players and bring in some of the young boys for vital European experience, at the return leg at Parkhead next week.

It's looking good for the Champions League group stages - providing we don't get beat 5-0 next week we are guaranteed at least six European games.  The income will also be massive - 10 million for qualifying and the Champions League merchandise should bring in a few bucks as well.

It's been announced that, should Celtic progress into the Champions League, there will be a tickets package for the home games, priced at 75 pounds for the 3 matches.

Brian Quinn announced on Thursday that Martin O'Neill will not be given alot of money to strenghten the team, after the yearly financial reports showed losses of over 4 million.  This is a shambles considering the strong position we are in - we have the potential to do well in the Champions League, providing we are given money to purchase new players.  It's time for the PLC Board to put up or shut up - we need money invested in the team.

Saturday's match saw a ring of changes in the team.  Jackie McNamara, Liam Miller and Stan Varga proved their potential as more that just squad players, albeit against a poor Dundee United side.  Celtic simply outclassed United.  We should be doing this to teams every single week, as we have the class to do it.

Quite dissapointing is today's news that Johan Mjallby will be out of action for 6 weeks.  The big man is a rock in defence, and we look forward to his return already.  However, with Stan Varga continuing to impress, we are comfortable.

Next up are Partick Thistle, at Firhill on Saturday.  Thistle played well here against Celtic last season, but there is no reason why Celtic should not win the game.  The match is live on BBC, and is a 12.30 kick off.

Goal of the Week: Henrik's chip against MTK last Wednesday.

Player of the Week: Stan Petrov