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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kieran Tierney back to his Celtic best as Big Ben leaves travelling diehards gushing in Portugal
Celtic impressed in the Algarve to seal a 2-0 pre-season victory over Sporting CP The Estadio Algarve has been the scene of a few rather embarrassing moments for the Scotland national set up over the years, writes Michael Gannon in Portugal. There was a dismal 2-0 win over the part-timers from Gibraltar in these parts, and before then we had the toe-curling Gordon Strachan giant celebration selfie after his Scots had beaten the minnows – even though we'd already slumped in our bid to make the Euros. But there were certainly no red faces for Celtic here amid the sea of green and white – apart from perhaps the sunburnt ones – as the Hoops secured an impressive win against a strong Sporting side. And after a cool start, Celts are starting to really warm up ahead of the new campaign. Sporting were a huge step up in class in the pre-season ladder but Brendan Rodgers ' men were slick at times in the draining 30 degree heat. Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan notched in the second period – but they should have been well ahead by half time against a team that featured £70m Man United target Morten Hjulmand and Portugal stars Pedro Gonclaves and Francisco Trincao. Adam Idah missed a couple of sitters before limping off with an injury during the half-time warm down while Daizen Maeda also went close. Kieran Tierney was bang in form and the travelling supporters were left gushing at the display of new Bhoy Benjamin Nygren. The Hoops did get ahead early in the second period after Hatate blasted his penalty through keeper Rui Silva after sub Johnny Kenny was clipped in the box. And Kenny was involved for the second when he broke free to release McCowan and the midfielder showed a touch of class to find the bottom corner and come out on top in the battle of the Hoops. Here are our five talking points from the Algarve. Strike it lucky Shin Yamada is on the way and it's maybe a little nudge for Adam Idah. The big striker put in a shift here but might have had his shooting boots on the wrong feet. Idah had a couple of chances he should have stuck in the net and it was just as well it was a bounce game and not the Champions League qualifier. The first one he couldn't get his feet in order to meet Maeda's cutback but the second one was an even bigger opportunity when Kieran Tierney curled in a cross that landed on a plate. Idah made a bit of a meal of it though. The 24-year-old does know the way to goal and he hit 20 last term. It is still pre-season and he's not fully up to speed either. But Idah has competition on the way and he'll need to be more clinical in the coming weeks. In squad we trust Celtic were more than decent in Faro and it looks like they are now going up through the pre-season gears as the club's main men got more than an hour in their legs. Yet there is still some obvious work required in the transfer market. Yamada will bolster the attack but Celts are well short in some key areas. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Paulo Bernardo will return in the next week or so and boost the group. But Rodgers is crying out for some first team ready reinforcements in the wide areas and elsewhere in the side. Young centre back Dane Murray had a cracking night at the back and might have more of a role this coming season. But Tierney will need back-up too and it remains to be seen if Yamada is going to be the Kyogo replacement. Celtic are in a strong position – but they do need to make moves. KT and the Sunshine Band Celtic fans got their first look of Tierney again in the flesh – and the defender got a heck of a welcome. Supporters – who'd either hopped over for the game or were taking it in during their summer hols – gave him a huge roar when he stepped on to the pitch in the Algarve. They would also have been impressed with his performance. There's no doubt Tierney was a tad rusty at the weekend but he was much more like his old self here. There were some trademark bombing runs up the flank and typical full pelt challenges. There was also a belter of a cross for one of Idah's big first half chances. It was like he'd never been away. Schmeichel back with a bang Speaking of returns Celtic's great Dane got his first taste of pre-season – and there were no signs of any rust. Schmeichel was given extra time off after the June international but was back in solid form between the sticks. There were a couple of smart saves during his 45 minutes on the pitch and punters could hear him roaring on his teammates as usual. Forget about that gaff in the Scottish Cup Final, Schmeichel is still the main man for Celts. Big Ben chimes in Benjamin Nygren was handed his first start – and he really looked the part. The Sweden attacker slotted into the right side of midfield but he had license to roam and cause problems for Sporting. It worked a treat as he was heavily involved in a lot of the good stuff from Celts going forward. A slick through ball sent Daizen Maeda in behind early and there was some terrific link-up play with James Forrest. Nygren isn't likely to be the replacement to Nicolas Kuhn out wide, but he does have the ability to drift wide and then drive in off the flank, like the German did so well for much of last season. It's still early days but the Swede already looks a sharp piece of business.
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Benjamin Nygren will blow Celtic fans away as Viljami Sinisalo reveals what he's known for years
The Finnish keeper heard all the talk about Nygren as a teenager and faced off against the Swede in plenty of youth internationals Viljami Sinisalo reckons Celtic fans are going to be blown away by new Bhoy Benjamin Nygren. The Hoops keeper squared up with the Sweden ace with Finland numerous times through the youth levels in Scandinavia. And he revealed Nygren was always identified as the danger man – as he was one of the top kids on the continent at the time. The attacker checked in from Nordsjaelland on a bargain £1.7m deal and is set to get his first run out for the Hoops in Saturday's closed doors bounce game against Estrela da Amadora in Portugal this weekend. Supporters will need to wait a few more days to see Nygren in the flesh but Sinisalo has told punters to prepare to be wowed. The keeper said: 'I've played against Benjamin quite a few times when we were youth internationals. 'We're the same age and there's a little bit of a rivalry going on with the Finland v Sweden situation. 'I think he scored a couple against me for the under 17s or something! I remember he was always the main man when we played them. There was always a lot of talk about him, with various clubs looking at him. At under 16 and 17 levels, he always played a few groups up as well. 'He's a great guy. He's close friends with one of my friends back home as well so I know a lot about him. I've got nothing but good things to say about him. 'He's got a lot of ability but he's also a very nice guy, he's very down to earth and looking to work as hard as he can. 'I've been really impressed, but it's no surprise. He's a brilliant, athletic, footballer, who is very good on the ball. 'We are going to see a lot from him this season. 'I think Celtic fans are going to be very excited watching him.' Sinisalo has also been hugely impressed by returning Kieran Tierney – and he reckons Celts have landed a player with serious Premier League talent. He said: 'Keiran is obviously coming in with a lot of pedigree. He's playing at big clubs, playing in the Premier League and knows what it's all about at Celtic as well. 'He's a brilliant footballer, first and foremost, you can see it daily in training. You can see why he's played in the Premier League and won things here too. 'You see his mentality. It's something young players can learn from, whether you are an outfield player or a goalkeeper, that's what we are all trying to do.'
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
6 Celtic surprises and red flags from Cork including multi million pound saver and glimpse of the future right now
Goals from Luke McCowan and Colby Donovan got the job done in Ireland but there was plenty for the manager to ponder It's only the second week of July and Celtic already have their first piece of silverware in the cabinet. And it could be the first of a mini pre-season Treble - with the adidas Trophy and Como Cup up for grabs. The Hoops blew the chance to complete a world record-extending ninth domestic clean sweep at Hampden in May. But the Scottish champions have kicked off the new campaign as they mean to go on by winning the first prize on offer. There were plenty of positives - and a few negatives - for Brendan Rodgers to scribble into his notebook after the Cork Super Cup victory. A couple of new Bhoys caught the eye, while some familiar issues reared their head again. Celtic will have a more recognisable look about them in Portugal when the international stars return to action in this weekend's closed-door match against Estrela da Amadora. Yet the 2-1 over Cork City will have given Rodgers plenty to chew over as preparations ramp up. New Bhoy could save millions Hear that? That's the sound of the gaffer performing an abrupt U-turn on his £250k signing from Japan. Before Hayato Inamura had even unpacked his bags from Albirex Niigata, Rodgers admitted he wouldn't figure in his first-team plans this season. It's still early days, but the 23-year-old may have changed his manager's mind based on his first 45 minutes in green and white. Typically a left-sided central defender, Inamura was shifted out to left-back and was a standout in the first-half. Intent on driving forward, Inamura oozed confidence on the ball, was crisp with his passing and even had a wicked delivery. Granted, he wasn't really tested defensively, but it was a promising debut from the latest J1 League import. Celts are in the market for back-up for Kieran Tierney. However, they might have stumbled upon a surprise package in Inamura that could save them millions. A moment to remember Friendly or not, scoring a last-gasp winner for your boyhood club will live long in the memory of youngster Colby Donovan. The 18-year-old started the game at right-back, went off at half-time, then reappeared as a sub for crocked Stephen Welsh. And the Scotland Under-19 international capped off a whirlwind night by popping up in the dying minutes with a headed winner. Rodgers has already been complimentary of the academy star this summer, admitting after last week's win over Queen's Park: "I think he's a Celtic player. He's tough. He's aggressive. He's grown. I liked him last year in pre-season." Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston are ahead of him in the first-team pecking order for now, but Donovan is definitely one for the future. Ful of promise Ex-Fulham hitkid Callum Osmand showed he has bags of potential after making his bow in the second-half side. The Welshman almost made an immediate impact too, demonstrating clever movement to sneak in behind the Cork defence, only to fire a shot straight at the keeper. Osmand, 19, is blessed with blistering pace and offers something different for the Hoops up front. He clearly doesn't lack confidence either, and will fancy his chances of forcing his way into Rodgers' team this season. With Johnny Kenny's future up in the air as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, Osmand will hope to build on his encouraging start. Keep it simple Homegrown keeper Ross Doohan completed a dream move back to his boyhood club this summer. But it was a tough night at the office for the Scotland cap, who replaced Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks at the break. Doohan, 27, looked shaky from crosses, flapped at a few, and even wiped out Welsh at one point. A communication breakdown with the centre-back led to Cork's equaliser after an avoidable defensive mix-up. Perhaps it's due to teething problems as the ex-Aberdeen man - signed as a replacement for third-choice Scott Bain - gets to know his new teammates. Welsh injury curse It's hard not to feel sorry for injury-cursed Welsh. The 25-year-old returned from a loan stint at Mechelen with a point to prove after falling out of favour under Rodgers. Welsh managed to stay fit throughout his six months in Belgium but in only his second game back, was forced off with a recurring shoulder injury. The defender - who already copped a sore one after an earlier collision with his keeper - was caught sleeping by Matthew Murray for Cork's leveller. Minutes later, he cut a devastated figure as he trudged off the park with his arm in a sling. Sadly for Welsh, it could require an operation that will keep him out for weeks. And with Belgian interest bubbling, it could prove to be his final appearance for the Hoops. Need for speed Age-defying James Forrest and talented Ben Summers were full of energy down the wings and created plenty of chances. But with Nicolas Kuhn off to Como and Jota sidelined until 2026, there's absolutely no doubt that Rodgers is crying out for ammunition in the wide areas. Rodgers wants his teams to attack with flair and pace, and Celts could do with more speed on the flanks, especially if Daizen Maeda plays through the middle. Lightning-quick Royal Antwerp star Michel-Ange Balikwisha and fleet-footed Rapid Vienna ace Isak Jansson offer that in abundance, and Rodgers will want both in the door sharpish. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘I've got to say he surprised me' – Brendan Rodgers namechecks Celtic star who changed his mind at Cork Super Cup
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed new Japanese Bhoy Hayato Inamura has forced him into a U-turn over his Parkhead future. Celtic boss Rodgers landed left-sided defender Inamura in a shock swoop last week from J-league side Albirex Niigata and immediately stated he didn't see him being part of the first team scene. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 4 Hayato Inamura of Celtic during the Cork Super Cup match Credit: Sportsfile 4 Celtic new signing Hayato Inamura (centre) had been slated for a loan move Credit: PA Instead, Rodgers envisaged the 23-year-old heading OUT on a loan move. But, a polished 45-minute debut show in the Cork Super Cup victory over Cork City jolted the Hoops manager into a dramatic re-think. Now, Inamura looks set to be handed the chance to be cover for returning left-back Kieran Tierney who looks poised for a second Celtic bow in Saturday's latest warm-up game against Estrela da Amadora in Lisbon. Asked directly if Inamura's performance had made him reconsider, Rodgers confessed: '100-per-cent. I'm not fixed on it. 'The plan was to bring him in, see how he does pre-season, thinking that he may need to get out and play. 'But I always judge players on the pre-season, on how they look and are they going to be capable. 'He's certainly in the few days training, he's shown he's so smooth with the ball. Not only that, he plays forward. 'I've got to say, he surprised me. 'In these first days training, he's so competent with the ball. He's a good size. "His comfort on the ball, his willingness to attack is really good. So we'll see how he looks over the remaining games.' Ex-Celtic coach Eric Black on the Cup exit that rocked Scottish football plus life with Lubo and Dr Jo Goals from Luke McCowan and Colby Donovan sealed victory for Celtic at normal GAA venue SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Now, Rodgers is excited about introducing the rest of his big guns to pre-season action after their late return to training following extended international duty. That will include near £2 million attacking capture Benjamin Nygren. He's poised for a debut on Saturday. On the win over Cork City and what's ahead, Rodgers said: 'The setting was splendid, wasn't it? It was absolutely brilliant. 'Obviously, emotionally it would have been lovely for Adam Idah to have played in his home city. But those international guys only came back Friday. 'Those international boys, that'll be their first action at the weekend. 'Nygen as well. I'm really excited by him, he's a forward thinking player, he's got good legs, gets about the pitch and he's showed up well since he's come in. 'Kieran was fantastic in my first time here. He's gone away and gained a lot of experience and maturity. 'We also want to manage him because he's had a lot of troubles in his fitness history over the last few years. It's great to have him back.' 4 Celtics' Colby Donovan (right) celebrates scoring the winner Credit: PA Irish frontman Johnny Kenny suffered a 'bad' shin injury in training but featured for 45 minutes against Cork City - and it's believed a new extended contract could be signed over the next week. Rodgers said: 'We would like to sign him to a new deal and then see what path it takes, whether he stays or whether he needs to go and get games.' Meanwhile, with a fitness update on rehab duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate, the Celts boss added: 'Reo is fine. He's been training since he's come back and looked really good. 'Cam, we're thinking around about either just before or just after the Newcastle game he'll be ready to play.' Stephen Welsh was forced off against Cork City and Rodgers added: 'His shoulder's just popped out. That's the fourth time it's happened to him.' 4 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Extra.ie
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
It's a grand old team - 50 Cent reveals which Scottish team he supports ahead of Glasgow gig
50 Cent has revealed which Scottish football team he supports ahead of his huge Glasgow gig this weekend. The Queens rapper, real name Curtis Jackson, is coming off a huge headliner slot in Longitude at Marlay Park this past weekend — a gig that was extra special for him as he celebrated his 50th birthday. With 50 set to headline TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow this coming weekend, (July 11), he has been outspoken about his support for Celtic — with him becoming a Bhoy thanks to his friendship with Gerard Butler, who's a huge fan of the team. 50 Cent has revealed which Scottish football team he supports ahead of his huge Glasgow gig this weekend. Pic:'Man, Gerard is crazy about Celtic,' 50 told SunSport. 'I don't think I have ever met somebody more in love with their team. We are going to watch a Celtic game together. That guy won't miss a game even when he's shooting. He must go up another level when he's actually at the stadium.' 50's friendship with Gerard came about when they were filming Den of Thieves in 2018, with him saying that Gerard would never speak to him again if he were to go to another Scottish match. 'If I went to watch a game in Scotland, it would have to be Celtic,' he said. '[Gerard] would never forgive me if I went to watch anybody else.' 50 credits his fandom of Celtic to his co-star from Den of Thieves, Gerard Butler, who's a massive fan of the Glasgow team. Pic: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images The rapper headlined night two of Longitude in Marlay Park on Sunday (July 6), and kicked off his birthday celebrations the night before at Conor McGregor's Black Forge Inn the night before. The fighter shared a video of 50 at the pub, where he wore a white t-shirt and black jeans as he walked into his hit 'In Da Club'. '50 Cent in da house at The Black Forge to celebrate his birthday! Happy birthday 50!' McGregor wrote. 50 was recently spotted in the Black Forge Inn ahead of his headline show at Longitude on Sunday. Pic: Conor McGregor/ Instagram He followed up with another Instagram story to share '50 Cent is in the gaf [sic] now! THE BLACK FORGE INN! His 50th bday today. SPECTACULAR.' 50 entered the outdoor area of the pub where he enjoyed time with patrons, including a mother-to-be celebrating her baby shower — as he was filmed rubbing her baby bump and posed for a picture.
