Weekly Review

Last updated : 15 September 2003 By Kevin Smith
As we approach the beginning of our Champions League campaign, it hasn't been the ideal build up where injuries are concerned.

We could be facing Wednesday night's game against Bayern Munich without Paul Lambert, Stephen Crainey, Ulrik Laursen, Joos Valgaeren and Johan Mjallby.

Joos Valgaeren and Paul Lambert both picked up injuries during last week's international games, while Stephen Crainey was substituted in the first half of Saturday's game at Dens Park.

During last week, all the talk was of internationals. Scotland played well in Germany, and in truth were unlucky to get a draw from the game. What we did see was a taster of the diving and play acting of the Germans, which I'm sure we'll see more of on Wednesday. Paul Lambert didn't come out for the 2nd half and is out for 6-8 weeks. Lambert shouldn't have played for Scotland on Wednesday ngiht in the first place - there was always a risk of him picking up an injury.

Scotland now have to get a victory over Lithuania at Hampden in the next game, to secure a place in the play-offs for Euro 2004. Looking around the other games last week, it was nice to see Big John Hartson setting up Wales' goal against Finland.

Back to Celtic, and it was a pleasure to see the Bhoys back in action, with a week of internationals over. Dens Park has always proved to be a tricky ground for Celtic to visit, and a result has always got to be grinded out. Saturday was no different.

Celts were 1-0 up early doors, a Bobo Balde header almost burst the net, putting Celtic into the lead. Next up came one of those referee moments which can turn a game - and a title. Dougie McDonald is well known as one of the worst referees in the SPL - ask Craig Levien, and he showed this by sending off Didier Agathe for a nothing offence. While chasing back for the ball, Agathe's pace was clearly beating that of Nacho Novo, and the winger was easily winning the ball fairly. Novo appeared to fall over, dive or whatever it was he done. Agathe was sent off to the bemusement of the Celtic bench and support.

Celtic were now forced to play the remainder of the game with 10 men, and with Stephen Crainey having to be taken off injured, it proved to be backs to the wall defending for the rest of the game. Celtic done this magnificently, and it could be good practise for Bayern on Wednesday. Once again Stanislav Varga put in a man of the match performance - he continues to improve in the heart of the Celtic defence.

Approaching the end of the game, Neil Lennon was caught on camera raising a middle finger to the childish Dundee support. I'm totally behind Neil Lennon on this one as the guy gets booed and jeered at every ground he goes to, although he will probably end up in touble with the SFA for his gesture.

Celtic played well on Saturday and it was a good 3 points to get our hands on.

So, from the toilet that is Dens Park to the 80,000 seater Olympic Stadium in Munich, where we will find ourselves on Wednesday night.

Bayern need no introduction, they are the German Champions and that alone tells us they will be a top quality side. After their poor display in the Champions League last season, they will be out from the start to show they have something to prove. If we can frustrate them, and play with our best attitudes and to the best of our abilities, we will be capable of taking something from the game.

Bayern will also be looking at us and realising we are also no mugs - I believe we will get a draw out of the match as our away form in Europe last season was something to be proud of.

I'd also like to say a big welcome to the Stuttgart fans, who are in Glasgow to hopefully show the huns a lesson or two. Celtic had a great time with the Stuttgart supporters last season and hopefully they can do the huns tomorrow night.

It's back to SPL action on Saturday, Motherwell visit Celtic Park in their bid for a 0-0 draw. They proved last year that they are only huns in disguise and will take great pleasure in trying to kick us off the park. Should be an easy victory if we get an early goal in the bag.

So a busy week ahead for Celtic, hopefully we can come out of it with our heads raised high - I'm sure we will!