Latest news with #CorkSuperCup
STV News
7 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers: Portugal trip has been everything we've wanted
Brendan Rodgers spoke positively about the camaraderie and spirit fostered in Celtic's Portuguese pre-season training camp as preparations for the new season continue. The Scottish champions travelled to Portugal after winning the Cork Super Cup against Cork City early last week, and trained at the national team's training centre, Cidade do Futebol. Celtic also visited Benfica's training campus where they lost 3-2 in a challenge match against Estrela da Amadora on Saturday before visiting Estadio Nacional, the scene of the Parkhead club's historic European Cup final win over Inter Milan in 1967, on Monday. Speaking to Celtic TV ahead of the Hoops' friendly match against Sporting Lisbon in the Algarve on Wednesday night, Rodgers said: 'It's been an excellent trip for us. It seems like a long time ago since we were in Cork, but coming out to here, the players have been able to get a lot of good work in. 'What's very important is the camaraderie and the spirit that you create when you're away on pre-season tours. 'This has been everything that we've wanted, and we want to finish off with another really good game. 'It's always about timing. You're pushing the players to their very maximum. 'Physically the guys are improving. I think we still have a way to go, but there's absolutely no doubt that physical and mental sharpness is there within our game. 'These early moments of pre-season, they're all about the tests, physically and mentally and the guys are coping really well.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic living rent free in Rangers fans' heads as pre-season defeat has Hotline sniggering
Celtic fell to their first pre-season defeat in Portugal but fans insists they aren't pushing the panic button - despite what the other side of the city might think. The Hoops shipped three goals to Estrela Da Amadora as Brendan Rodgers rolled out his big guns in a behind-closed-doors friendly. Some Rangers punters reckon it could be a sign of things to come as Gary Stevenson teased: "Unlucky Celtic for losing the Estrella da Amadori Super Cup. After winning the Cork Super Cup, their players must have been exhausted." But Pat O'Reilly, Queens Park, wrote: "I've got to laugh at pre-season hysteria. Rangers fans are disillusioned. Celtic will blow them out of the water once again. We are light years ahead. And that's without Dermot's backing." Celtic are Kings of Scotland but their European credentials have been battered by Bluenoses on the Hotline. Gordon Ashley, Ayr said: "George Wilson keeps referring to Celtic being nothing outside Glasgow, but nobody said we are. We don't have the money to compete with the big leagues. "But what we are is a prestigious name outside the big leagues, along with the likes of Feyenoord, Benfica, etc, who have won the world's biggest club tournament despite being from a small league, something Rangers have never and will never be." Mark McManus, Purley said: "It's amazing how much Celtic lives in the heads of non-Celtic fans. Flett, Wilson and others on here are constantly bemoaning the best team in Scotland. "Suggesting Celtic are smug, another cheap shot from serial losers. I think Aberdeen will give us a run for our money next season and welcome the challenge." Scott McAdam, Glasgow wrote: "There is no way I think we are a big European outfit. We are only trying to compete in the Champions League. "But as I said, you couldn't hold a blowtorch to the brass necks of meesrs Flett and Wilson, as all they do is slag Celtic off in Europe. "As for being top dogs? Well, there's no argument there. 14 titles in 15 years isn't exactly swapping places. So you will have a long wait, George." Speaking of Mr Alan Flett, he emailed: "I've been criticised on the Hotline for calling Celtic fans easily pleased, but they keep proving me right. "Celtic have had Scottish football all to themselves for the last 12 years but they've not progressed as a club. "All they've done is win a barrowload of domestic trophies that they were expected to win, whilst in Europe they've been an absolute disgrace. "But as long as they're beating the likes of Motherwell and Kilmarnock, everything is rosy. Celtic should be completely out of Rangers' reach, but it's only a matter of time before we are back on top." While seven new faces have arrived at Ibrox, Celtic have yet to break the bank like last year. Donald Dundas, Uddingston wrote: "I'm sorry but feel I just have to reply to the blinkered comments from Stephen Johnstone regarding Celtic supporters' obsession with Rangers signings. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but apart from fragile Tierney and the huge war chest to spend, who have Celtic actually brought in? "I don't see any Blue Chip signings to rave about. Saying that... no point in spending cash when they know they're just cannon fodder in the early rounds of Europe." Jack Butland's future in Govan is up in the air and Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, added: "If reports are true that Russell Martin is keen on bringing in unknown Carl Rushworth on loan, he is sending out a clear signal that he wants Jack Butland off the payroll. "It won't have gone unnoticed that their most prized asset Raskin is on a lower weekly wage than him and this is another example of a cost-cutting exercise being on the cards."
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Cathal O'Sullivan says he is 'as clueless as most people' when it comes to rumoured Cork City departure
Cathal O'Sullivan has insisted his focus at the moment is on helping Cork City avoid relegation despite growing speculation linking him with a move to England. The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Crystal Palace in recent months having met the FA Cup winners' hierarchy back in May, but City have yet to receive a formal bid for the attacker, who is also attracting interest from Brentford amongst others. But speaking following City's narrow 2-1 loss to Celtic at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night, O'Sullivan maintained he is happy on Leeside. 'Genuinely, with everything in the media at the moment, I'm kind of just reading it and being like; 'oh, that's actually happening?' I'm as clueless as most people,' said O'Sullivan. Read More Fiacre Kelleher: Caoimhín could have made career as outfielder 'But look, I'm a Cork City player at the moment. That's the way I'm looking at it. And just the future will tell, I guess. 'But look, realistically, I don't really get involved in any of that. I wouldn't come out and say, 'oh, yeah, I'm moving in the next two weeks.' But I'm a Cork City player at the moment. I'm happy where I am. O'Sullivan played the first 45 minutes against the Hoops in the Cork Super Cup in what was his first start for City since their 4-1 loss away to Shamrock Rovers on June 20. But the former Leeside AFC playmaker admitted he needed a break after returning from Republic of Ireland U21 duty, where he made his debut in the closing stages of their 1-0 loss to hosts Croatia before playing the full game in the 0-0 draw with the Qatar U23s a few days later. 'The manager has been giving me a rest, to be fair, because I didn't really get a break,' added O'Sullivan. 'We played out in Croatia, it was roasting out there, so mentally and physically (tired). 'When I came back, I just think I needed a break as well personally. So, it was kind of a decision between the both of us. But yeah, I'm back now fully fit, fully feeling well. 'Look, players have been doing well. Alex Nolan in my position, they've been flying it. So hopefully I can be back in the team Friday.' As for Friday, City head to Munster rivals Waterford knowing that they need to start getting some wins on the board if they are to avoid dropping into the First Division for the third time in five years. The Rebel Army are currently bottom of the table, five points behind Sligo Rovers in ninth and a massive 12 points behind the Blues in eighth. After starting on the bench in their last three league outings, O'Sullivan is hoping his display in the first half against Celtic is enough to see him return to the starting line-up at the RSC. 'It's definitely the level that I obviously want to go to, just personally,' said O'Sullivan on the challenge of facing Celtic. 'But it was definitely a good workout for us. Definitely something we can build on now for Friday night. 'I suppose even though our trainings are very top, top, but with that Tuesday now and then we'll come back in Thursday knowing we'll probably have a look at a few things over that game now and show what we can work on. 'Because I thought personally, we played well. Our shape and all that stuff against a top, top team. But yeah, definitely, definitely better than a training session, definitely. 'A lot of positives (to take). Even the manager said it. It was kind of just more like, get minutes for everyone in that game. 'No matter what the score was, it was just a great day out. But definitely you'd rather that all week than training sessions all week. It'll be a good momentum shift.'
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kelleher believes 'good results are only around the corner' for Cork City
Fiacre Kelleher believes it is only a matter of time before Cork City start recording more positive results as they look to avoid relegation back to the First Division. City are currently marooned at the bottom of the table in the only automatic relegation spot, five points behind Sligo Rovers, who occupy the only playoff place and a massive 12 points behind Waterford in eighth. The Rebel Army still have 13 games remaining to save themselves although their next two matches, away to Waterford on Friday night and at home to Sligo in two weeks' time, could be decisive. And speaking after their narrow loss to Celtic in the Cork Super Cup, Kelleher, who also admitted he is not close to full match fitness, believes the positive results are on the way. 'Listen, there's new players coming into the building, there's a feel-good factor in the changing room. 'I know that might not reflect onto the pitch at the moment but we are doing all the right things so I think good results are only around the corner for us,' insisted Kelleher, who backed up his 44 or so minutes off the bench against Shelbourne last Friday on his debut with a 45-minute cameo against the Hoops at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday. 'I have only been training two weeks, so I had eight weeks off before that so, no. It's slowly coming but I think I am still a few weeks away from being where I need to be but, at the same time, I feel good enough to go in there and play. 'It (playing against Celtic) came a bit quicker than expected but the occasion and everything… it was a real pleasure to be a part of. 'It was baking out there, like. They had a lot of good first team players out in that first half so, yeah, it was a really good test for us. 'When they got into a good flow, they were doing one touch, I mean, even their first goal was an incredible finish but the lead up to it was even better. 'So, it's only positives for us really to be playing against that sort of quality, we will take a lot from that, really. 'We changed shape today we went to a back four rather than the five we have been playing the last few games. I think that worked really well today. 'I think it kind of takes away the grey areas that are in playing a back five sometimes. 'I thought we, in large parts of that game, really got to grips with keeping the spaces narrow and limiting their chances. 'When we are playing against lesser opposition, hopefully, we will be able to keep possession a bit better and create more chances as well.' The 29-year-old was handed the armband for the first half against the club he spent a number of years at as a youth and while he admits it was an honour to lead his new side out on his return to the Páirc, he confirmed the captain duties will be returning to Charlie Lyons for their trip to Waterford. 'Just for tonight, I think. Yeah, yeah, it's Charlie's,' he added. 'I think with things like that, he's given it to me, and he's given it to me for the person that I am so I just continued to do the things that I would normally do without it. 'It's not a big thing really although it is a pleasure to have it, it won't change how I am and how I will be. 'But it was lovely, it was a real pleasure to walk out at Páirc Uí Chaoimh with the lads. It was nostalgic, I suppose, because I don't live too far away from here. It was a lovely moment. 'I'd say City sports was the closest I came (to playing here), and that was in the old stadium before they did the refurb. 'I was lucky to be there, I'd say. I've lost all that pace anyway! It's impressive, an impressive stadium so it was lovely.'
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Johnny Kenny opens up on his Celtic future as he addresses contract talks and potential loan exit amid transfer interest
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHNNY KENNY has told Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers he's ready to sign a new contract now and push hard to become a Hoops goal hero. The 22-year-old Irishman has gone into the last 12-months of his deal after costing a six-figure sum from Sligo Rovers in January, 2022. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 4 Johnny Kenny celebrates his goal against Queen's Park Credit: Kenny Ramsay The Republic of Ireland under-21 ace is wanted by Bolton - they've had a £500,000 bid rejected - and a host of other clubs, also keen on a loan agreement for the new season. But Hoops manager Rodgers is holding fire just now as he carefully decides Kenny's immediate future - as an established part of his squad plans or to go out again to get more regular action elsewhere. First, though, he wants the frontman - one start, one goal for Celtic - to put pen to paper on a contract extension. Kenny scored in the champions' opening pre-season friendly against Queen's Park while he started in the 2-1 win over Cork City on Tuesday night to grab the Cork Super Cup. He's full of belief - and desperate to pledge his future to his boyhood heroes. Asked if he was keen on a new contract, Kenny - previous loan spells at Queen's Park and Shamrock Rovers - said: 'Yes, and hopefully that can be done soon. 'I'd love to sign a new contract for this club. 'At the end of the day it's the club I want to play for. 'Since I came back in January, I can't describe how good the manager's been for me. 'Obviously, he wants me to sign a new deal, so I think that's very promising for me at this club and I'll be happy to sign a new contract. The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up 'I don't really see it being a problem at all. 'When it's going to get done, hopefully in the next few weeks. 'We need to start talks now and let's see where it goes from there.' Kenny's prepared to leave Celtic again if Rodgers believes it's his best chance of STAYING with the champions. The ambitious Irish striker's very keen to sign an extended contract beyond his current deal which is up next May. Rodgers has made it clear enough that's his immediate wish for the 22-year-old - and it's great news for Bolton-target Kenny who has been just as crystal with his agent over making that a priority. But once that's done and dusted - and there's no vibe it won't happen - then it's down to Rodgers to decide what the best option is for the Republic of Ireland under-21 ace…going out on loan again or staying within the top squad for the new campaign. Kenny's faith in his manager is such that he's prepared to wholeheartedly go with whatever he feels is right. 4 It feels like a massive, pivotal moment in his career with hopes and dreams of glory with Celtic and his national team filling his head. But the calm former Sligo Rovers youngster - previous loan spells with Shamrock Rovers and Queen's Park behind him - revealed: 'I'll leave it to the manager to make a decision on that. 'Wherever I am, obviously I want to play football. 'I want to develop myself and I think playing games is going to develop me. 'Obviously, I also want to break into the national team and I think playing games is the way I'm going to get into that team. 'Whatever the manager decides, I think he'll have a pathway for me. 'I don't think he's going to keep me here and not play me. 'So, whatever the manager decides I'm all behind it. 'Everything he's told me since January has been 100-per-cent, so I believe in the manager. 'My confidence is high at the moment and I think that comes from the manager. 4 'As I said, since I came back, the manager - the way he spoke to me in front of the group and individually - it's just been amazing. 'I think it's all down to him. 'And I hope to get opportunities to repay him. 'Obviously, he wants me to sign a new deal, so I think that's very promising for me at this club and I'll be happy to sign a new contract. 'I don't really see it being a problem at all. 'When it's going to get done, hopefully in the next few weeks. 'We need to start talks now and let's see where it goes from there.' Kenny's had just one first team start - but managed a goal, against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in May. A clinical winner against Queen's Park at Lesser Hampden last Friday underlined his potential after he finished last season strongly, including a Scottish Cup final appearance off the bench and a converted penalty in the heartbreaking shoot-out defeat to Aberdeen. And Kenny feels ready to be a Celtic player. He said: 'Yes, 100-per-cent. 4 He came off the bench against Rangers last season Credit: Kenny Ramsay 'I came in, learned my trade the last few months, learned the system in and out of possession and I feel like I'm ready to kick on now. 'Hopefully, I get the opportunity to do that. 'The Aberdeen game I started. The manager spoke to me beforehand and gave me the confidence to go out on the pitch and be confident, get a goal and perform. 'That's what happened on the night. 'My dream is to represent this club on a daily basis and play so many games for this club. 'I hope I can break in and get opportunities to do that because that's all I want to do. 'It's such a big club and I want to be part of it. 'If I get opportunities I back myself to score. 'It was good to get off the mark on Friday and I just want to keep getting minutes and hopefully get more goals.' Kenny, meanwhile, paid tribute to fellow Irishman and £9.5 million Celtic star Adam Idah for his influence. He added: 'Adam's brilliant, a fellow countryman and you can see how well he's done since he came in over the last 18-months. 'He's always trying to help, whether it's me or the other strikers. 'He's always there if you need something. 'It's brilliant to have someone in your position, and fellow countryman, who is always there to help.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
