Yesterdays league match with Motherwell had everything that makes an enjoyable game of football. From Goalmouth scrambles to defensive errors and three goals worthy of inclusion in any list of top goals this was a game that had it all.
Celtic were impressive throughout and took the lead early in the first half with a super solo goal from the always frustrating, often impressive Samaras. The Big Greek striker took control of a pass from N'Guemo and turned and ran at the 'Well defence before crashing a shot into the net.
Celtic looked as they would go on from this and put the game to bed before half time. Samaras had a great chance to add another goal and the game was beginning to get away from Jim Gannon's men until Danny Fox and Artur Boruc decided that the game was a bit too easy and decided to level things up.
Fox, like Hinkel has shown himself to be a fine addition to the squad. However Fox, like Hinkel seems to be more effective player going forward than he does in defence, expecially when it come to stopping crosses getting into the box.
Again Danny boy allowed a cross to get past him and Artur Boruc, who was returning to action after a long lay-off, came into no-mans land to come for a ball he had no need to chase and Motherwell nipped in to level.
However worse was yet to come. Not to be undone in the suicidal defending stakes Andreas Hinkel put his jealousy at Danny Fox's gift to one side for a second and allowed Reynolds in behind him to take the lead for Motherwell. The commentators stated that Hinkel had gambled on Glenn Loovens winning the ball as it came into the box, I wouldn't have bet a penny if I were a millionaire on that particular outcome!
A goal down at half time in a game that we had controlled from the kick-off! Celtic went about their business busily in the second half, with chances being created easily without leaving the door open at the bank. The excellent Aiden McGeady decided to take the game by the scruff of the net with an expert strike, placing the ball high into the corner of the net.
I was thinking at this stage that this game would be an ideal test of our title credentials, and if we were to go on and take the full three points this may be a catalyst for the season, such is the guile and strength of character required to overcome a deficit in a game in which we were leading.
Tony Mowbray to his credit was not willing to hang about for his defence to ship another goal and looked to take the game to Motherwell. Off came Danny Fox and on came Fortune and his impact was instant.
The much-maligned forward won a header and laid the ball off for Scott McDonald before continuing his run behind the little Aussie. Skippy found him with a return pass and Fortune favoured the brave as he burst forward and unleashed an unstoppable drive high into the corner of the net.
Boss Mowbray had this to say: "I was struggling to understand how we were behind, but the players were determined to get the job finished. And that's why Marc-Antoine is here, because he's a quality footballer. It's been hard for him, but hopefully that will lift him and the team will benefit."
Mowbray also allowed himself to be drawn on the upcoming transfer window, stating that loan deals will be the way forward for Celtic this winter. Who knows possibly we will find a player capable of scoring a penalty!
When managers phone you up with two or three weeks to go there is nothing definitive, they just want to get a feel of what your thoughts might be in January and where the player he wants is in your mind," said Mowbray.
"I do the same with other managers, you drop that seed in. It all revolves around who goes out and who comes in. Every club has its own way of doing that: do they bring them in or make sure they get people out first?
"But when you have an idea a club might be interested in a particular player it allows you to manipulate your business. You make enquiries, people inquire about your players and you try to get the juggling act right.
"Between now and January there will be plenty of calls made but the bottom line is that one phone call might put an end to two deals because one manager then doesn't want a particular player and you can't then bring in the one you want."
"I would suggest it's probably the best option, bringing in loans with a view to buying a player, particularly if you're buying from abroad," he said.
"Generally there is a settling-in period, an adapting to the environment you are now working and playing in you've got to assess over the period. Without actually spending the money you're giving yourself the time to assess whether he can play for this club, whether the speed and tempo of the game is something he can cope with and, if you haven't committed all the money to the deal, you can potentially send him back."
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt