Martin O'Neill made a few changes from the team who went down to Rangers on Wednesday night. Magnus Hedman took the place of David Marshall in goal. Marshall has been named as the Scotland goalkeeper for Wednesday night and was due a rest today. Stan Petrov and Didier Agathe both missed out through injury, they were replaced and Juninho was relegated to the bench. In came Aiden McGeady, Henri Camara and Chris Sutton.
I had said before the game that it was important to get an early goal in today's game. After only five minutes, Celtic opened the scoring. A wonderful cross from young Aiden McGeady was headed home by Chris Sutton - the big man marking his return from injury with style.
Sutton again came close a few minutes later, and John Hartson looked angry at himself, when he passed up the chance to make it 2-0 from only eight yards out.
With Calley defending with nine men behind the ball at all times, it was difficult for Celtic to get in behind them. It was a frustrating day for McGeady, who looked to have it all to do by himself.
Celtic's next opportunity was when Henri Camara found himself one on one with the ICT goalkeeper. Camara should have done better with his shot, and the rebound saw Chris Sutton stumbling towards goal. What happened next could only be described as a goalmouth scramble, and the ball was cleared.
Hugh Dallas enraged the Celtic support on the stroke of half time, when he failed to award Celtic a blatant free kick. There were boos ringing round Celtic Park as Dallas walked towards the tunnell at half time.
Celts went 2-0 up through John Hartson on 52 minutes. Aiden McGeady and Chris Sutton linked up during the move, but it was the big Welshman who struck home.
Calley came close with two long range shots at goal, both of which Magnus Hedman done well to deal with. They were starting to look more comfortable and won a penalty with fifteen minutes remaining, when Stan Varga's stupid tackle brought down the ICT attacker and earned himself a booking. Magnus Hedman saved the penalty from Barry Wilson, which was honestly one of the worst I have seen, but fair play to the 'keeper for keeping the clean sheet.
Celtic added the third goal, when Jackie McNamara done well dribbling with the ball. After rounding the goalkeeper, his shot/cross was headed in by John Hartson, for his third goal in four days.
Juninho and Stephen Pearson replaced Henri Camara and Chris Sutton with ten minutes to go, but the game was already finished.
Juninho was denied a penalty in the closing stages. Many Celtic fans were outraged by the decision but I think Juninho played for the penalty, rather than attempting to go for the ball.
So 3-0 at full time and we're back on track after our dire performance in midweek. The huns have a tricky one at Easter Road tomorrow, and if Hibs battle as hard as they did against us, Rangers are in for a game. But let's sort them out next week by ourselves.
Celtic:
Hedman, McNamara, Balde, Varga, Valgaeren, Lennon, Thompson, McGeady, Sutton (Pearson), Hartson, Camara (Juninho)
Come On The Hoops Moment To Remember: Ally Begg's embarrassing arrival at half time. Hilarious!
Come On The Hoops Moment To Forget: Celtic's lack of desire to finish teams off, which was apparent again today.