A 2-1 win over Manchester United in Philadelphia was enough to silence our critics. Chris Sutton opened the scoring with a first half penalty, only for the lead to be drawn back by United's Alan Smith. Substitute Craig Beattie ensured a Celtic victory 18 minutes from time, scoring his fourth goal of the Champions World Tournament.
United fielded what was probably the weakest side of the three games so far. No Van Nistelrooy, Saha or Scholes, but Howard, Keane, the Nevilles, Giggs and Smith all featured.
Celts fielded what is probably the strongest possible starting eleven we could have. Bobo Balde still remains injured, and Magnus Hedman, surprisingly, took David Marshall's place in goal.
United's youngsters showed enthusiasm, but one scumbag, Chris Eagles, showed too much. After only three minutes he launched into a two-footed assualt on Alan Thompson, who never saw the rest of the game. Fortunatley, Thompson will be okay, and the injury is not as bad as first expected. But Eagles was subjected to several late challenges from the Celtic players throughout the rest of the game. He never did get what he deserved.
Celtic started brightly, and took the lead from the penalty spot on 9 minutes. Stan Petrov was bundled to the ground en route to goal, and Chris Sutton netted cooly to put The Bhoys in front.
The difference in the team's attitude was there for all to see. Martin O'Neill's presence certainly boosted a few players, and our fighting spirit was there for all to see.
Alan Smith grabbed his first goal for United ten minutes before the interval, heading home an Eagles cross. Jackie McNamara was outjumped, and Magnus Hedman made a usual balls of it in goals. Someone please get this guy a one way ticket to Sweden.
During the second half Celtic made several substitutions. But Celtic's Player of the Tournament so far, Craig Beattie, was once again the one who inspired the side. He seems a different player from the one who made a few appearances last season, chasing lost causes and battling for every ball.
Beattie made his mark when he chased down Gary Neville and won the chase between himself and Tim Howard. He neatly nutmegged the American goalkeeper, and the ball nestled into the corner of the net.
Celtic won the game 2-1, and even though it was only a friendly, the result means alot more than that. What a difference a day makes, as one day we are down in the dumps after a humiliating defeat by Liverpool, the next, signing number one of the season is on his way, Mr Quinn has promised us players, and we are victorious over Manchester United.
Roll on the new season.
Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Stan Varga