2025 08 03 - Celtic vs St Mirren - Flag Day - 1st half - video Dailymotion

Channel 67

Watch 2025 08 03 - Celtic vs St Mirren - Flag Day - 1st half - Channel 67 on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00:00This is a production of the United States.

00:00:30Welcome to Celtic Park

00:00:43Welcome to the Celtic Park home dugout very shortly

00:00:46This will be occupied by Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff

00:00:49Because it is the first day of the competitive league season

00:00:53This is where the games really matter

00:00:55St Mirren are the visitors here to Celtic Park

00:00:58And kick-off is not long away

00:01:00Welcome to Celtic TV's live coverage

00:01:02Joining me in the dugout is a man who's

00:01:04I was going to say no stranger to the dugout

00:01:05But you weren't often a substitute in your day

00:01:08It's either dropped completely

00:01:09Peter Grant of course

00:01:11Peter how much are you looking forward

00:01:13Not just to today and flag day but the season in general

00:01:15Oh this is the part you look forward to most

00:01:18Because pre-season's done

00:01:19I'm not a great believer in the pre-season

00:01:21As a player I used to love when it was coming to the nitty gritty

00:01:25And this is what all the players will be delighted for

00:01:27This is what Brendan would be delighted for

00:01:28Everybody fully fit

00:01:29Coming into a new season

00:01:30With a new challenge ahead

00:01:32So we're looking forward to it

00:01:33Perfect day for it

00:01:34And done following that flag as well

00:01:36And let's make sure we keep it

00:01:37Yeah I was talking to Alistair Johnson the other day

00:01:39And he was talking about how as elite athletes

00:01:41They do need that edge of where the games matter

00:01:45As you say pre-season is good up to a point

00:01:47You get some glamorous ties

00:01:48But these players are used to performing when there's real pressure

00:01:51And that begins today

00:01:52Well there's a double-edged sword with Celtic

00:01:54Because every game is competitive for Celtic

00:01:56But there is a difference when there are points they've been played for

00:01:58Or you're qualifying for Europe

00:02:00Or in Europe

00:02:01And winning these games early in the season

00:02:02And you can see what can happen

00:02:04People always look for a trip up at the start of the season

00:02:06Celtic are always focused

00:02:08And the boys have been brilliant at that

00:02:09You know that's the one thing they've done continuously

00:02:11They've been continuously ready

00:02:13And very very well prepared

00:02:15And I don't expect anything else other than that today again

00:02:17You covered a number of the pre-season games for Celtic TV Peter

00:02:21What did you make of the games themselves?

00:02:24What did you make of the preparation?

00:02:26What did you make of some of the new boys that we had a look at?

00:02:28Well I think it's great because the build-up is the way you'd expect it

00:02:31You start a little bit at the lower levels

00:02:33And then all of a sudden you can see the quality gets better

00:02:35You're playing against

00:02:36Still trying to manage the minutes is always a problem

00:02:38Because you don't want to give too many minutes to someone

00:02:41You know and not enough to other ones

00:02:42Because you need everyone

00:02:43I don't call it substitutes now

00:02:45Because of the amount of changes you can make

00:02:47Everybody's such a vital part to play

00:02:49So I think Brendan's managed to do that very well

00:02:51I think Stephen Welsh if I'm right

00:02:53Was the only one that got an injury throughout pre-season

00:02:55And as a manager that's all you can pray for

00:02:57There's no injuries

00:02:58You get to this stage now

00:03:00Now it's the selection headache you get as a manager

00:03:02You see the boys that's been on fire

00:03:04Doing well in training

00:03:05And some surprise you

00:03:06You know

00:03:06I've been really impressed with Negri when he's played

00:03:08In the area he's played in the middle of the pitch

00:03:10I thought he's been terrific

00:03:11Kieran Tierney coming back obviously with Greg Taylor

00:03:13He looks fantastic

00:03:14He's a fantastic wonderful player

00:03:16I'm sure he'll get a fantastic reception

00:03:18As he did last week

00:03:18But you know the challenges there all the time

00:03:21But as I say no substitutes anymore

00:03:23In my eyes

00:03:24Because everybody will have a massive massive part

00:03:26To play in the season throughout

00:03:27Yeah you mentioned Negri

00:03:28You mentioned Kieran Tierney

00:03:29A huge afternoon

00:03:31A big season as well for Adam Eder

00:03:33Playing through the middle

00:03:34The pressure's always on the strikers

00:03:36To get goals

00:03:37I know you're a fan of Adam

00:03:38I'm a massive fan of Adam Eder

00:03:39I think you look at his stats last year

00:03:41I'm not sure if it was two games Jerry

00:03:42He started last year

00:03:43I'm sorry

00:03:44Played 90 minutes

00:03:45And I think he got four goals in that period

00:03:46And I always remember

00:03:48When strikers weren't playing particularly well

00:03:50And it's a bit different now

00:03:51Because they get 10 off at 60 minutes

00:03:53So they're coming on for 15 minutes

00:03:54Because of the amount of substitutes

00:03:55And predominantly

00:03:56It's from the middle of the front

00:03:57That the changes get made

00:03:58Whereas strikers were always on the pitch

00:04:00For 90 odd minutes

00:04:01Because they were your main men

00:04:02And it didn't matter how poorly they were playing

00:04:04You always knew they'd a goal in him

00:04:05I'm a big supporter of him

00:04:06And I believe if you give him the service

00:04:08Yes he'll miss the odd chance

00:04:10Of course that's what strikers do

00:04:11But I'm sure he'll score a hell of a lot of goals

00:04:13And his record last year

00:04:14Was a lot better than people gave him credit for

00:04:16It's a tough start for Celtic

00:04:17St Mirren

00:04:18Are the only team outside of Celtic and Rangers

00:04:21Who have finished in the top six

00:04:22In the last three seasons

00:04:23So Celtic will be big favourites

00:04:25But St Mirren

00:04:26Come here with confidence

00:04:27They got that draw

00:04:28In the last game of the league season

00:04:29Last year

00:04:31They're a strong physical side

00:04:32And a number of new faces for them too

00:04:34Stevie Robinson's done a wonderful job

00:04:36I remember about three seasons ago

00:04:37I was at a game pre-season

00:04:38League Cup

00:04:39And the fans were shouting for his head

00:04:40In that next three years

00:04:42He's qualified for the top six

00:04:44It's been an incredible job he's done

00:04:45And he keeps building

00:04:46It's so difficult

00:04:47Because predominantly he loses his best players

00:04:48As he did again last year

00:04:50But he keeps finding them

00:04:51He knows how to build the team

00:04:53His team's structured in a very way

00:04:54I don't think he gets the credit at times

00:04:56For the way they play

00:04:57You know they're very good at set plays

00:04:59You know predominantly they've got a long throw

00:05:01You know they're physical

00:05:01But they've got quick

00:05:02And they've got pace

00:05:03And you've got to mix the game up

00:05:05And Stevie's team's do that

00:05:06Fantastically well

00:05:07So we know it's a challenge

00:05:08I know they've made it difficult for us

00:05:10As you say

00:05:10Even in the last game of the last season

00:05:12But he's done a wonderful job

00:05:13But I'm sure Celtic prepared

00:05:15For Stevie Robinson's team

00:05:16Well let's hear from the man

00:05:17Who has to prepare

00:05:18The Celtic team

00:05:19Brendan Rodgers

00:05:19Has been speaking to John Ledwith

00:05:21Brendan the unfalling of the league flag

00:05:24Is a reminder to everyone

00:05:26Of who the champions are

00:05:27But does it also serve as

00:05:29Motivation for the boys

00:05:30In the dressing room

00:05:30To go and do it again

00:05:32Yeah I think it is

00:05:33It's a very small window of reflection

00:05:35In terms of what you've done last season

00:05:37But as soon as the flag's up

00:05:40We'll leave that in our history

00:05:41And the titles that we won last year

00:05:43And be really motivated

00:05:44To do it again this year

00:05:45Does it also act as a motivational tool

00:05:48For other sides coming here

00:05:49To challenge the champions

00:05:51And you'll expect a very tough challenge

00:05:53From someone?

00:05:53Yeah I think it's a really tough game

00:05:55For us today

00:05:55And they always are opening games

00:05:58But for us we want to go on

00:06:00And start to show today

00:06:01The team that we want to be

00:06:02For this season

00:06:03You know

00:06:03As always our game is based around

00:06:06The attack

00:06:08And defending really aggressively

00:06:10So hopefully we can show the team

00:06:13We want to be over the course of the game

00:06:14Of course we finished last season

00:06:16With a match against St Mern

00:06:17You'll know just how tough it can be

00:06:19To break them down

00:06:20How important is the speed of the play today

00:06:23And perhaps the creation of someone like

00:06:24Benjamin Negrin who starts

00:06:26Yeah well Benji can turn in tight spaces

00:06:29And obviously when a team that's so compact and tight

00:06:32To be able to do that is key

00:06:35But he also can score goals

00:06:36So yeah all the players will have a contribution to make

00:06:40But yeah I'm looking forward to seeing him

00:06:42Make his debut here at home

00:06:44Best of luck today

00:06:44Pleasure thank you

00:06:45I am absolutely delighted and honoured to say

00:06:48That we're joined here by the man

00:06:49Who will unfurl the league championship flag

00:06:52The maestro himself

00:06:53Paul McStay

00:06:54Paul welcome

00:06:55Welcome home

00:06:55Welcome to your spiritual home as well

00:06:58How does it feel to be back?

00:06:59It's brilliant yeah

00:07:00Just driving up there

00:07:01To see the stadium again

00:07:02I think it was six years ago

00:07:03I was here

00:07:04So no it's great to be here

00:07:06And sitting beside this guy as well

00:07:08So brings back a lot of memories

00:07:11But just great to be here

00:07:13A great honour

00:07:14And delighted that the club has asked us

00:07:16And I was just thinking

00:07:18Because I think only two players in history

00:07:20Have played more Celtic games than you

00:07:21Paul

00:07:22Obviously Peter's got a good number

00:07:24In fact I think between the three of us

00:07:25We're just shy of 1,200

00:07:26That's a good number yeah

00:07:28And he's got 1,100 of them

00:07:29No it's a privilege to play here

00:07:33As Peter will testify as well

00:07:35And I think a lot of ups and downs

00:07:40During my career

00:07:40But I think the biggest thing is

00:07:43It's just a privilege and an honour

00:07:44To play with Celtic

00:07:45It's a team we grew up supporting

00:07:46And to get the chance to play

00:07:48With the hoops on

00:07:49Is definitely a dream come true

00:07:52Well you said there was ups and downs

00:07:54When I spoke to the manager

00:07:55Brendan Rodgers the other day

00:07:56About you coming

00:07:57He had a great line

00:07:58He said

00:07:59Despite the fact it was difficult times

00:08:01Paul McStay always gave you hope

00:08:02And I think that was a great way

00:08:04To describe

00:08:04I mean when you look back

00:08:05In some of your highlights

00:08:06You scored some memorable goals

00:08:08But when you look back

00:08:09In those years

00:08:11And Peter for you

00:08:11How much did this man give you hope

00:08:13When you had him on your team?

00:08:14That was the most important thing

00:08:15That he was available

00:08:16You know you always wanted him

00:08:17Available for every game

00:08:18And he always was

00:08:19I think people don't realise

00:08:21That Paul

00:08:22I think it was 31 of them right

00:08:23When you finished

00:08:2432

00:08:2532

00:08:25I think he'd have played

00:08:27A hell of a lot more years

00:08:28If he never had the injury

00:08:28Unfortunately

00:08:29And he'd have played

00:08:29A hell of a lot more games

00:08:30That was down to his quality

00:08:32You know he was an unbelievable player

00:08:34He always had as you say

00:08:35Hope when he had an opportunity

00:08:37With the strikers we had

00:08:38I'm sure every one of them

00:08:39That scored their 20s and 30s

00:08:41And 40 goals this season

00:08:42Would all be a great thought

00:08:43About Paul McStay

00:08:44Because half of them

00:08:45Had been provided with him

00:08:46You've been away from

00:08:47Glasgow in Scotland

00:08:48For a number of years

00:08:49Paul living in Australia

00:08:50But I'm sure that

00:08:51You get reminded on a daily basis

00:08:53I'm sure you meet Celtic fans

00:08:54All over the place

00:08:55Yeah no there's a good network

00:08:56Of Celtic supporters clubs

00:08:57Over there

00:08:58And the Sydney boys

00:08:59I know very well

00:09:00Nick Cameron's over here

00:09:01Now actually

00:09:02So I'll catch up with them

00:09:03But they do a lot of good work

00:09:04Promoting Celtic

00:09:06You know

00:09:06And what it's all about

00:09:08The club

00:09:08You know the charitable works

00:09:09They do even in Sydney

00:09:10So yeah there's Celtic fans

00:09:12All over

00:09:13And I've been lucky to connect

00:09:14With quite a few over there

00:09:15You of course

00:09:16Were known as the man

00:09:17Who spent his whole career

00:09:18At Celtic

00:09:19We've got a couple of players here

00:09:20Just now

00:09:21In that same boat

00:09:22Let me ask you first of all

00:09:23About James Forrest

00:09:24Of course he scored that

00:09:25Famous goal here

00:09:26Against St Mirren

00:09:27To equal your

00:09:2816 seasons in a row

00:09:30Scoring record

00:09:31What do you make of the likes of James?

00:09:32Ah fantastic

00:09:33I mean

00:09:34There was one on my two-door

00:09:35In Sydney

00:09:36That night

00:09:36When James scored

00:09:37You know

00:09:38Just

00:09:38Willing them on

00:09:40To achieve that

00:09:41Just delighted for him

00:09:42You know I mean

00:09:42To stay at the club for that long

00:09:44And achieve that success

00:09:45The same as Callum as well

00:09:46Just fantastic

00:09:47So delighted for them

00:09:48Yeah I was going to ask you

00:09:49About Callum

00:09:49Of course you

00:09:50You know

00:09:51Wore the armband

00:09:52With pride here

00:09:52What do you make of Callum

00:09:54As a leader

00:09:54As a captain?

00:09:55Fantastic

00:09:56I think he's there

00:09:57I think on the park

00:09:59Maybe similar to myself

00:10:00A wee bit

00:10:01You're vocal

00:10:02But I think he makes

00:10:03The cell available

00:10:04And drives the team forward

00:10:06When need be as well

00:10:06But again

00:10:07What he's achieved

00:10:08Is sensational

00:10:09Yeah

00:10:09And what will it feel like

00:10:12To walk out

00:10:13As you will do shortly

00:10:14On to this pitch

00:10:15These supporters

00:10:15Will give you a massive ovation

00:10:17Yeah

00:10:17Well hopefully

00:10:18Time will tell

00:10:21But

00:10:21No I'm looking forward to it

00:10:23No I just

00:10:23I say it's a great honour

00:10:24To be here today

00:10:25And to hunt for the flag

00:10:27I came here as a fan

00:10:27Many a time

00:10:28To see it happen as well

00:10:30In the old days

00:10:31So

00:10:31To be asked to do it

00:10:32Is again

00:10:33An honour

00:10:34So I look forward to it

00:10:35The main thing is

00:10:36Three points

00:10:37Absolutely

00:10:37It is

00:10:38And of course

00:10:39This man sitting next to you

00:10:40You were partners in midfield

00:10:41For so many years

00:10:42You know

00:10:43You get the adulation

00:10:44As being the maestro

00:10:45And all the rest of it

00:10:46But I'm sure you'll be the first

00:10:46To say that you wouldn't be

00:10:47The player you were

00:10:48Without Peter Grant

00:10:49He's always saying that

00:10:50Brilliant team mate

00:10:52To have him beside you

00:10:53In the park

00:10:53Was brilliant

00:10:54And

00:10:54The only downside

00:10:55That they suffered

00:10:56Was a roommate

00:10:57So I mean

00:10:57That was probably the downside

00:10:59But

00:10:59On the park

00:11:00Again like myself

00:11:01Grow up Celtic fans

00:11:02And you get that chance

00:11:03To go out in the park

00:11:04And pull the hoops on

00:11:05And you're just gonna

00:11:06You're all

00:11:06And that's the main thing

00:11:07Though maybe sometimes

00:11:08Your performances aren't great

00:11:10But I know

00:11:10With Peter and myself

00:11:11And other lads

00:11:12Like TB as well

00:11:13No just

00:11:14Like Roy

00:11:15You just gave everything you had

00:11:16You don't

00:11:18Leave anything

00:11:19At all

00:11:20You just give your

00:11:21100%

00:11:22Nothing

00:11:23And does it feel

00:11:24And does it feel Peter

00:11:24I know you guys

00:11:24Don't see each other often

00:11:25Because of the miles

00:11:26Between you

00:11:27But does it feel

00:11:27When you meet

00:11:28That you kind of

00:11:28Pick up where you left off

00:11:29As if I've seen him yesterday

00:11:31You know

00:11:31I mean it's always

00:11:32A great honour

00:11:32And a great privilege

00:11:33I say on the pitch

00:11:34It was great

00:11:34But it was more the man

00:11:36I got to know

00:11:36As Paul touched on

00:11:37A little bit

00:11:38That we were roommates

00:11:39For so long

00:11:40So we know each other

00:11:41Inside out

00:11:42We suffered

00:11:42We enjoy together

00:11:44You know

00:11:45All these things

00:11:45And I think that's

00:11:46What made

00:11:47The camaraderie

00:11:48Between us

00:11:49It never really disappears

00:11:50And then the two boys

00:11:52Lived together

00:11:52Chris and Raymond

00:11:53And that brought us together

00:11:54As well

00:11:55Which was quite incredible

00:11:56Actually

00:11:56So well we're blessed

00:11:57In that respect

00:11:58And that's the way

00:11:58I count myself

00:11:59One

00:11:59To be blessed as a friend

00:12:01But also as a teammate

00:12:02But as I say

00:12:03More importantly as a friend

00:12:04Well it's great

00:12:04To see you both

00:12:05It's great to see you both

00:12:06Looking so well

00:12:07Paul I know you need to go

00:12:08You've got some

00:12:08Important business

00:12:09Well this is what it feels like

00:12:12To be Celtic

00:12:13For the supporters

00:12:15The players

00:12:16The staff

00:12:17That everyone has given everything

00:12:19On the pitch

00:12:19And off the pitch

00:12:20For that

00:12:22We're all champions today

00:12:23Celtic have done it

00:12:35Fantastic to speak to the great man

00:12:53And Paul McStay

00:12:54Thanks for that

00:12:55I thought that's what you meant

00:12:56No it was

00:12:57Great to see the two of you

00:12:58Together

00:12:59And Paul

00:13:00Lovely gentleman

00:13:01Of course

00:13:02Always such a humble figure

00:13:03But a superstar

00:13:05An absolute legend

00:13:06Of this club

00:13:07And he will be

00:13:07Coming out very shortly

00:13:09On to the

00:13:09Hallowed turf

00:13:10And the turf

00:13:11Is looking fantastic

00:13:12For the opening day

00:13:13Of the season

00:13:14And he will raise

00:13:15That championship flag

00:13:17That you can see

00:13:17In front of me

00:13:19It's a day for legends

00:13:20Not just Paul McStay

00:13:21And Peter Grant

00:13:22But we'll be paying tribute

00:13:22To the late great

00:13:24John Clark

00:13:25And John Fallon

00:13:25Who both passed away

00:13:27In recent weeks

00:13:28Before today's match

00:13:31It is where things count

00:13:32Of course

00:13:33There are points

00:13:34Up for grabs

00:13:35In this game

00:13:35The pre-season

00:13:36Is over

00:13:37St Mirren

00:13:37Will be

00:13:38A tough opposition

00:13:39We heard the manager

00:13:40Say how tough

00:13:41This will be

00:13:43No walkover

00:13:44But to get three points

00:13:45In the opening day

00:13:45Of the season

00:13:46And set a markup

00:13:48Will be

00:13:49An important one

00:13:50For Celtic

00:13:51Let's have a look

00:13:51At the starting

00:13:5111 then

00:13:52For Celtic

00:13:53It will be

00:13:54Kasper Schmeichel

00:13:55In goal

00:13:55A back four

00:13:56Of Alistair Johnson

00:13:57Cameron Carter

00:13:58Vickers

00:13:58Liam Scales

00:13:59And Kieran Tierney

00:14:00Making his

00:14:00Second competitive

00:14:02Debut

00:14:03For Celtic

00:14:04Callum McGregor

00:14:04Rio Hattati

00:14:05And new boy

00:14:06Benjamin Negrin

00:14:06In the middle

00:14:07Yang and Maeda

00:14:08On the wings

00:14:10And Adam Ida

00:14:11Through the middle

00:14:12On the bench

00:14:13For Celtic

00:14:13Goalkeeper

00:14:14Sinisalo

00:14:15And then your

00:14:15Outfield substitutes

00:14:16Are Austin Trusty

00:14:17McCown

00:14:18Shin Yamada

00:14:19Johnny Kenny

00:14:20Arne Engels

00:14:21Paolo Bernardo

00:14:22James Forrest

00:14:23And Anthony

00:14:24Ralston

00:14:25And as the

00:14:25The famous

00:14:27Walk-on

00:14:28Gets played

00:14:28At Celtic Park

00:14:29Peter

00:14:30You can feel

00:14:31The hairs

00:14:32Rise

00:14:33In the back

00:14:33Of your neck

00:14:34This is what

00:14:34It's all about

00:14:35Absolutely

00:14:35And this is a dream

00:14:36It was always made

00:14:37That you wanted

00:14:37To come out here

00:14:38Once to that noise

00:14:39But coming out

00:14:40As champions

00:14:40Makes it something

00:14:41Completely different

00:14:42Singing in the sun

00:14:43And we hope it's

00:14:44The start of another

00:14:44Fantastic season

00:14:45These boys have earned it

00:14:47As the hard graph

00:14:48Starts again

00:14:49You're champions

00:14:49For six weeks

00:14:50I keep saying

00:14:51And you have to go again

00:14:52It's a family afternoon

00:14:55It's a family afternoon

00:14:55Beautiful weather

00:14:56Here in Glasgow's East End

00:14:58Before the storm arrives

00:14:59Tomorrow

00:15:00But these supporters

00:15:02Are here

00:15:03Bedecked in the green and white hoops

00:15:05Ready to play their part

00:15:07And hopefully cheer their side on

00:15:10To the first three points

00:15:12Of the season

00:15:13Celtic are the champions

00:15:14And we have this tradition

00:15:16In Scotland

00:15:17Of flag day

00:15:17Where you get an opportunity

00:15:18To just kind of remind yourself

00:15:20As the successes

00:15:21From last season

00:15:23As St Mirren

00:15:23The opposition

00:15:24Are led out

00:15:25By their captain

00:15:26Mark O'Hara

00:15:27Yeah you most definitely do

00:15:29And I think the enjoyment

00:15:30Comes from that

00:15:31You know you've worked

00:15:31Extremely hard to get that

00:15:33But also whets the appetite

00:15:34To go again

00:15:35Because there is not

00:15:36A better feeling

00:15:36When you're coming out

00:15:37As champions

00:15:38Great credit to St Mirren

00:15:39Waiting on the boys

00:15:40Coming out

00:15:41But it's a hard graph

00:15:4338 games to go

00:15:44Continuously

00:15:44To be champions again

00:15:46People talk about trebles

00:15:47Trebles are so so difficult

00:15:49But these boys

00:15:49Have done it tremendously well

00:15:50But this is the champions

00:15:52Coming out

00:15:52And hopefully it's the start

00:15:54As I say again

00:15:54Of a fantastic season

00:15:55Paul McStay there

00:15:57On the right hand side

00:15:58Just ready to lead the team out

00:15:59I'm sure Callum doesn't know

00:16:01What Paul said

00:16:02In his interview there

00:16:02But to be

00:16:03Compared to Paul McStay

00:16:05By Paul McStay

00:16:06Is quite a compliment

00:16:08Yeah I understand

00:16:10What you're saying

00:16:10He's a quiet leader

00:16:11That's the way Paul was

00:16:12Paul's ability

00:16:13He'd done all the talking

00:16:13For him

00:16:14I'd done all the pointing

00:16:15He'd done all the playing

00:16:17Maybe Callum's

00:16:17I think maybe somewhere

00:16:18In the middle of the tour

00:16:19I don't think he's too quiet

00:16:20Yeah well I'd say that

00:16:21As well

00:16:21He's starting to point

00:16:22The health of a lot

00:16:23I've noticed as well

00:16:24So that's important

00:16:25But no he's right

00:16:26In the respect of that

00:16:27Quiet leadership

00:16:28Sets the standards

00:16:29And that's exactly

00:16:30What it means

00:16:31To play for Celtic Football Club

00:16:32And it's those high standards

00:16:34That get you through

00:16:35Such a gruelling season

00:16:36Celtic of course

00:16:37Competing on four fronts

00:16:39Three domestically

00:16:40One in Europe

00:16:41Look at that

00:16:43Home and away

00:16:43Champions League

00:16:44Playoff tie

00:16:45Coming up later

00:16:46This month

00:16:47But before that

00:16:47Some huge games

00:16:49Not just this one here

00:16:50But trips away to

00:16:51Aberdeen

00:16:51Next weekend

00:16:52We've got a cup tie

00:16:53At Celtic Park

00:16:54Against Falkirk

00:16:55Later this month

00:16:56A trip to Ibrox

00:16:57It's a huge month

00:16:58Peter

00:16:59Yes it is

00:17:00But listen

00:17:00You know that

00:17:01Paul spoke about it

00:17:02As well

00:17:02Every time you pull on

00:17:03The Celtic jersey

00:17:04You have to be ready

00:17:05To compete

00:17:06And fight for everything

00:17:07But listen

00:17:08But can't you

00:17:09See this man

00:17:10Coming out

00:17:10It's fantastic

00:17:11To see him coming out

00:17:12So I think

00:17:13I like to give him this

00:17:15Yeah absolutely

00:17:16What an ovation

00:17:16For Paul McStay

00:17:18Fantastic

00:17:33For Celtic supporters

00:17:35Of my era

00:17:36Paul McStay

00:17:37Was the hero

00:17:38As the manager said

00:17:39He gave you hope

00:17:40As you did as well

00:17:41Peter

00:17:41But Paul McStay

00:17:42On the pitch

00:17:43Could always make

00:17:44Something happen

00:17:45He could turn

00:17:46Like a London taxi

00:17:47And all of a sudden

00:17:47The play would open out

00:17:49He would play

00:17:49An incredible pass

00:17:50Like he did

00:17:51Against Rangers

00:17:52In the New Year's derby

00:17:53In 1988

00:17:54To turn that game around

00:17:55And he had that ability

00:17:57These players

00:17:57Will

00:17:59If they know their history

00:18:00Certainly that man there

00:18:01Does

00:18:02Will be inspired

00:18:02By the likes of Paul McStay

00:18:04But there's a reminder

00:18:05That Celtic are the champions

00:18:07Celtic are the ones

00:18:08That are there to be knocked

00:18:09Off that champions

00:18:10Perhaps

00:18:10But with this man

00:18:11With the armband

00:18:13This team behind him

00:18:14And this management team

00:18:15Behind him

00:18:15It will be very difficult

00:18:17For any team in Scotland

00:18:19To

00:18:20Make that trophy

00:18:23At the end of the season

00:18:24End up in any other trophy

00:18:26Cabinet

00:18:26Other than here

00:18:27At Celtic Park

00:18:28Celtic will be putting out

00:18:29One hell of a fight

00:18:31To make sure

00:18:31It stays

00:18:32Exactly where it is now

00:18:34He'll be more nervous

00:18:43About this than anything else

00:18:44He's ever done in his life

00:18:45I know what he's like

00:18:46Give him the ball

00:18:47No problem

00:18:48So let's try to march

00:18:51In 10

00:18:529

00:18:538

00:18:547

00:18:566

00:18:575

00:18:584

00:18:593

00:19:012

00:19:021

00:19:034

00:19:045

00:19:055

00:19:065

00:19:075

00:19:085

00:19:095

00:19:10So Celtic football club

00:19:11The

00:19:11Premiership champions

00:19:14From last season

00:19:15Paul McStay

00:19:16Does the honours

00:19:18Only won three titles

00:19:20In a long Celtic career

00:19:22It just shows you

00:19:23You remember Peter

00:19:24More than most

00:19:25How difficult it was

00:19:26Back then

00:19:26But maybe

00:19:28A word of

00:19:29Not a word of caution

00:19:32To the Celtic supporters

00:19:33Many of them

00:19:34In the stadium

00:19:35Who won't remember

00:19:35Paul McStay

00:19:36Who just

00:19:36Expect success

00:19:39It's not like that

00:19:40No it is not

00:19:41And it shows you

00:19:41How good a player he is

00:19:42He still chant his name

00:19:43Every week

00:19:43And that shows you

00:19:44How good a player he was

00:19:45And you say

00:19:46Three titles

00:19:46Okay

00:19:47I believe

00:19:48Personally

00:19:49All other teams

00:19:50Were much stronger

00:19:50That was me personally

00:19:51I believe that

00:19:52There was always big challenges

00:19:54Aberdeen's done

00:19:54United's and all that

00:19:55And we went through

00:19:56A sticky spell ourselves

00:19:57To say the least

00:19:58So no complaints about that

00:20:00And Paul's never

00:20:01Wanted to complain about that

00:20:02He never has been

00:20:03He just

00:20:03That was the other period

00:20:04We were blessed to be here

00:20:05During it

00:20:06Even though it was difficult

00:20:07And they were very respectful

00:20:08Of that

00:20:09And that's why

00:20:10Every time you turn up

00:20:11Here at Celtic football club

00:20:12As this football club

00:20:13You never get sick

00:20:14Of winning trophies

00:20:15And titles

00:20:15Never ever get sick of it

00:20:17Whether you're a player

00:20:17Or whether you're a supporter

00:20:19Because

00:20:20The dark times

00:20:21Are not very good

00:20:21They're not at all

00:20:23Let's have a quick chat

00:20:24Before the game kicks off

00:20:25About the team selection

00:20:27Most notably

00:20:27I suppose

00:20:28Is Benjamin Negrin

00:20:29Starting in that

00:20:30Midfield three

00:20:31With Arne Engels

00:20:32On the bench

00:20:33Do you think the manager

00:20:34Has seen

00:20:35Enough pre-season

00:20:36To think that

00:20:37Negrin is

00:20:38Maybe going to be

00:20:39His starter in there

00:20:40It's quite a decision

00:20:40No it's a big decision

00:20:42Because I'm a supporter

00:20:43Of Engels as well

00:20:44You know that

00:20:45But I think

00:20:45Negrin deserves to start

00:20:46I think his pre-season

00:20:47Performances have been excellent

00:20:48I wasn't sure

00:20:49What position he was going to play

00:20:50Whether he was going to be

00:20:51Further up the pitch

00:20:52Or wider

00:20:52You know

00:20:53I'm more of a

00:20:54Forward thinking player

00:20:55But playing in that

00:20:56Midfield role

00:20:57I think his attitude

00:20:58His fitness levels

00:21:01Have been excellent

00:21:01Throughout pre-season

00:21:02I think he's brought

00:21:04Different things to the game

00:21:04He's a good user

00:21:05Of the ball

00:21:06He takes the ball

00:21:06Under pressure

00:21:07Well he creates

00:21:07And I think he'll have

00:21:09A go on him

00:21:09Because he runs

00:21:10Into the box very well

00:21:11So I'm delighted

00:21:12He's getting an opportunity

00:21:13To start

00:21:13But it also sets

00:21:14The standards

00:21:14For everyone else

00:21:15Whether you cost

00:21:1511 million or not

00:21:16Doesn't matter

00:21:17You've got to perform

00:21:18Week in week out

00:21:19A chance now to pay

00:21:20Respects to

00:21:21Lisbon Lions

00:21:23John Clark

00:21:24And John Fallon

00:21:25Who both

00:21:26Sadly passed away

00:21:28In recent weeks

00:21:55And off of two feet

00:21:56Seals

00:21:57John Clark

00:21:58And John Fallon

00:21:59So a good day

00:22:01And John Fallon

00:22:02All right

00:22:03We'll be right

00:22:34So I mean it's applause there for John Clarke and John Fallon, we caught sight of Jim Craig in the stand as well, you know, mixed emotions from Jim as well, two great friends and close confidence of his.

00:22:48Yes, and it's great, John Clarke was a chapel hall man and was one of the reasons I ended up signing for Celtic, he got me in the door, got Celtic to come and watch me with a ten-year-old, so I owe John a hell for a lot and I'm big friends with his daughter Marie, so sad to see both Johns disappear.

00:23:02And John Fallon, the way I always feel about John whenever I saw him and spoke to him, he would never, never come across a bigger Celtic fan than John Fallon.

00:23:10Oh, unbelievable, never, everywhere you go you will never say a bad word about Celtic, you know, and great credit to him, you know, they represented the club exceptionally well and always well, I mean I've been at a few functions with John in recent months and unfortunately, when he turned out well, sad to see.

00:23:26Sad to see.

00:23:28But they will live long in the memory here at Celtic Park, as the game kicks off, as Celtic's competitive season kicks off.

00:23:36The St Mirren team, of course, the last team to play here competitively in that 1-1 game on trophy day when we all cheered James Forrest's injury time equaliser that got him his first goal of the season.

00:23:50The St Mirren team that have got four debutants this afternoon, the goalkeeper Shemal George once of Livingston on loan here from Wickham.

00:23:58Richard King, the new Jamaican centre-half, Jaren Richardson, former Aberdeen player of course, and...

00:24:04John Fraser Taylor, who was on loan at Abroath last season, won the League One Player of the Year when they became champions and he's been promoted by Steven Robinson.

00:24:15So we'll be looking ahead to the season with optimism, and it's as tough a start as Celtic could have hoped for.

00:24:22Yeah, most definitely, Steven Robinson's done a remarkable job, let's not be kidding here.

00:24:26And they make it very difficult with the shape they play, these teams are always physically fit.

00:24:32I don't think he gets the credit for what they do, they work really, really hard, they're going to get any dangerous series to put crosses,

00:24:37one set plays, and they do it very, very well.

00:24:40And nobody gets an easy game against them, I think that's the biggest credit you can play the manager and his players,

00:24:45but listen, it's all about what Celtic do, I always believe that.

00:24:48And we definitely have the players that can overrun St Mirren and outplay them, but you've got to earn that in every single game you play.

00:24:54Faisal Maeda getting straight in on the defensive action, tracking back, helping out his defence there,

00:25:00as Jeryn Richardson went forward, Killian Phillips has already got four goals in pre-season,

00:25:06if you want to call it that, for St Mirren, of course, they did play in the earlier rounds of the Premier Sports Cup,

00:25:11so he will be a goal threat.

00:25:14Physical presence, of course, is a main attribute of Killian Phillips.

00:25:20Well, it's two seasons now, Jerry, it was at Aberdeen for a period as well.

00:25:24Eyeball forward, flag stays down from now, the ball is kept in.

00:25:29Easy take there in the end for Kasper Schmeichel, quickly rolls that one out to Negrin.

00:25:35Celtic coming forward down this right-hand side, Negrin gives it to Alistair Johnson.

00:25:40Celtic's Canadian right-back in the middle of the park is Rio Hattati, supported now by Tierney.

00:25:47Tierney gives it outside to the left wing, Dyson Maeda, Adam Ida through the middle for Celtic this afternoon,

00:25:53so Dyson Maeda will look to cause havoc down the left-hand side as he gets that pass from Kieran Tierney.

00:25:59A bit of an altercation there between Dyson Maeda and Marcus Fraser,

00:26:05and the ball goes behind for a goal kick to St Mirren.

00:26:08Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how Kieran plays along with Dyson,

00:26:12does he go in the overlap, does he play that inverted throwback as they all say nowadays.

00:26:16I'm not 100% sure on that, if that's what they're going to do, but it's going to be interesting.

00:26:21But his first pass there was excellent, it was good defending.

00:26:24Jemai Simpson-Pewsie, an interested spectator,

00:26:30Celtic hoping to complete the loan signing of the Manchester City defender in the coming days.

00:26:36Looks like it's, fingers crossed, just a formality before everything gets finalised.

00:26:42Celtic have a throw-in on the far side.

00:26:46So the opening three minutes of this game, very balanced, St Mirren with plenty of possession.

00:26:53Celtic, though, always a threat coming forward.

00:26:56Cameron Carter-Vickers now out to Alistair Johnson.

00:27:01Yang.

00:27:03Looks sharp in spells pre-season.

00:27:05Celtic's Korean winger gets a first start in the first game of the season,

00:27:09forward comes St Mirren now, Phillips.

00:27:12Plays that one through the middle.

00:27:14Idouwu is well-intercepted by Carter-Vickers,

00:27:18and picks out Rayo Hitate quickly.

00:27:20Hitate doesn't want to rush things.

00:27:23Finds Alistair Johnson.

00:27:26And now...

00:27:28Negrin.

00:27:30That cultured left foot.

00:27:33Big Swede.

00:27:35Yang.

00:27:37Celtic playing the ball around well with confidence.

00:27:41Hitate, Kieran Tierney's got a sight to go.

00:27:43Fancy's a shot.

00:27:44Well, St Mirren were almost egging him on to shoot there,

00:27:47the way they backed off.

00:27:48But he just screwed his shot wide of the post.

00:27:50We've seen him driving in there for before.

00:27:52You know, when he's done it in the Celtic jersey,

00:27:54he's more than capable of that.

00:27:55I'm surprised they gave him that much space.

00:27:57But it's interesting, as I say, there he's picked up again.

00:27:59Dyson Eder was wide that time, never came too close,

00:28:02and Kieran stepped inside and found himself 15 yards free.

00:28:05He'll be disappointed because he knows he's got the quality.

00:28:08He's at the target from there.

00:28:10There's no doubt, Jerry.

00:28:11It's a brilliant signing.

00:28:12There's absolutely no doubt, as you say, 27 years of age.

00:28:13And I think people think, Kieran, with the injuries and with the injuries,

00:28:16and with the injuries and with the injuries and with the injuries,

00:28:20that's what he's done.

00:28:21And he's got to go.

00:28:22Strong header out of the fence there from Cameron.

00:28:24It's crazy, it's almost like he's never been away.

00:28:27Still just 27 years of age, Kieran Tierney saw right in the peak of his years.

00:28:34Well, there's no doubt, Jerry, it's a brilliant signing.

00:28:37There's absolutely no doubt, as you say, 27 years of age.

00:28:40And I think people think, Kieran, with the injuries and whatever,

00:28:43I think he was available for a lot more games than people give him credit for last year.

00:28:48It's crazy to think he was 21 when he left Celtic,

00:28:52because it felt as if he'd been here for so many years up until that point,

00:28:56but great to have him back in the green and white hoops.

00:28:59Here's Yang, loves to run at defences.

00:29:02Cuts inside this time.

00:29:04Again finds the pass to Hitate, now space on the right-hand side.

00:29:07Alistair Johnson, first-time cross,

00:29:09is a really inviting ball from Alistair Johnson.

00:29:13Adamida coming in at that near post.

00:29:16Yeah, it's good play.

00:29:18Hitate sets it so Johnson can put it first-time,

00:29:20Adamida's trying to get there, it's good defending.

00:29:23I'm not sure if it's Ahara, is it Fraser?

00:29:25Fraser, I think you're right.

00:29:26Yeah, Marcus Fraser.

00:29:27He gets his boot across Adamida, but yet again he's in between the sticks,

00:29:30and that's all you can ask for your striker.

00:29:32Try and get the first contact on it, but you've got to give credit to the defender.

00:29:36Fraser followed Ida every step of the way.

00:29:39Goal kick, Shemal George goes long.

00:29:42Very long.

00:29:44Scales on the end of that one.

00:29:47Header down, McGregor, Negrin, Cameron Carter, Vickers.

00:29:51Alistair Johnson, good position there from Negrin, read the situation really well.

00:29:56Looks very sharp.

00:29:58Definitely looks a player, doesn't he, Celtic's number eight.

00:30:04He moves very well, he moves very well with the ball, you know,

00:30:07and he drives into space quickly.

00:30:09And I think that you like to see that with a Celtic player,

00:30:12driving at the backline to either loosen Yang, because that's important,

00:30:16if you make the in and arrow up quickly, you can get Yang quicker.

00:30:19But the one that's found a lot of space at this moment in time is Hattati because of it.

00:30:34Johnson with the flick inside, gets the return from Ida,

00:30:37first-time pass, picks out Hattati, Celtic playing with real confidence here.

00:30:41Kieran Tierney striding forward, Maeda keeps that one in on the left.

00:30:46Back to Tierney.

00:30:51Still KT, now Maeda.

00:30:54Space in the middle of the park.

00:30:56Alistair Johnson, what's an inviting ball from Dyson Maeda,

00:30:59he goes down, he's claiming.

00:31:01Well, I think he's saying well done to Alistair Johnson for the pass,

00:31:05but just a bit too far ahead of Maeda.

00:31:08No, it was very good playing, a great run in his goal,

00:31:10timing's perfect, he's onside, just can't get there.

00:31:14Great ball from Alistair Johnson,

00:31:16it's a difficult pass that one as well too,

00:31:18because there's not a room for you,

00:31:20because it's between the goalkeeper and obviously defender.

00:31:26Celtic playing some positive football in the opening eight minutes of the season,

00:31:31but still it's Celtic 0, St Mirren 0.

00:31:36Listen, you know St Mirren they're always going to challenge you,

00:31:41they're always going to try and go man for man and put you under pressure.

00:31:44Celtic have done very well because they've moved the ball quickly.

00:31:48St Mirren are trying to push the line up,

00:31:50trying to leave the front lines like Maeda and Ida offside,

00:31:53so they'll have to go back to the halfway line.

00:31:55But it's a dangerous game if you don't get it right,

00:31:57because there's a lot of space behind you.

00:31:59Celtic managed two 3-0 wins and a 5-2 win,

00:32:03along with that 1-1 drop,

00:32:05so it was a decent season last year against the Paisley side,

00:32:09ball's broken away of Hattati,

00:32:11but he just couldn't get that one under control,

00:32:13and Gogic cleared,

00:32:14but Celtic are trying to win this one back,

00:32:17great from Negrun now, Ida,

00:32:19Gogic just gets in the way of the big Irishman,

00:32:22and it looks like Shemal George has just taken a sore one there,

00:32:26both Gogic and Ida fully committed,

00:32:29as you would expect from both players.

00:32:31I'm just hoping that Ademir has not overstretched us,

00:32:33because he's holding his hamstring a little bit here,

00:32:35but listen, you'd be disappointed if your centre forward doesn't go for this,

00:32:38people complain, should you leave it for the goalkeeper,

00:32:41but why should you, the ball's still there to be won,

00:32:44but I'm not sure if he's overstretched here.

00:32:47His studs are not showing either, it's a genuine attempt.

00:32:53Yeah.

00:32:57Yeah, goalie's taken the brunt of that one,

00:32:59but there's just three players committed to getting the ball there.

00:33:03Yeah, of course, you've got to go for it,

00:33:05you've got to say to the goalkeeper, yes, he's got to come,

00:33:08you've got to say to the defender, yes, he's got to put his foot in,

00:33:11but I'd be really disappointed if my striker never went for it,

00:33:14and as I say, he's not wearing his studs showing,

00:33:16I think it's just been a clash more than anything,

00:33:18but hopefully that's the case, it's just a clash.

00:33:26Shamal George coming into St Mirren in the summer,

00:33:29of course it was Zach Hemming who was the goalkeeper,

00:33:32he went back to Chesterfield.

00:33:38But will Shamal George be able to continue, he's getting back to his feet.

00:33:44Do you have Ryan Mullen as an option?

00:33:47Well, I'm not saying the things with the goalkeepers now,

00:33:50you see it a lot now, if the team's not playing particularly well,

00:33:53or there's a time you need to slow the game down,

00:33:56you know the goalkeeper can get injury time with coming on,

00:33:59because they don't need to take him off,

00:34:01and you're seeing a lot of teams use it as a tactic now,

00:34:03I'm not saying this is a tactic, but a lot of teams are using that,

00:34:05because the goalkeeper doesn't need to leave the field,

00:34:09and that means the game can continue on.

00:34:12Remember the new rule that's in place this season as well,

00:34:15if the goalkeeper has the ball in hand,

00:34:17he's only allowed eight seconds before he has to release the referee,

00:34:22counts the first five seconds and then illustrates the last three using his fingers,

00:34:28and if the goalkeeper is adjudged to hold the ball for longer than the eight seconds,

00:34:34then the opposing team are awarded a corner kick.

00:34:37All the best who's counting.

00:34:38Yeah, absolutely, how quickly are the counting the seconds at?

00:34:42Anyway.

00:34:43There's definitely going to be arguments over there.

00:34:45Let's hope we don't have to see that one.

00:34:47This afternoon, but Jamal George looks as if he's OK to continue,

00:34:52launches one up the field,

00:34:54obviously looking for quick opportunities to get the ball up the pitch.

00:35:01Listen, to be fair to Steven Robertson,

00:35:03he always comes here and tries to play with two strikers,

00:35:05you know, to try and put you under pressure at the back line,

00:35:07so when he does clear the ball and you say going long or whatever,

00:35:10at least he's got people round about the ball.

00:35:12A lot of teams play the five at the back, four in midfield and one up front.

00:35:15Adam Ida just holding the back of his calf or his hamstring there

00:35:20as he went to bring that one down.

00:35:23I don't know whether that's an effect of the previous incident involving Jamal George

00:35:29or whether he picked up or not there,

00:35:30but some concern over Adam Ida,

00:35:33hopefully he can shake that knock off as Rio Hattati goes down.

00:35:38I need to be concerned about Adam Ida there because that's twice as clipped,

00:35:42and you can see him, he's not, he's walking a little bit gingerly.

00:35:46Hopefully that's not the case, working so hard through pre-season.

00:35:50Shanyamada and look, Johnny Kenny on the bench for Celtic this afternoon,

00:35:59if Adam Ida did need to replace,

00:36:02Dhanza Maeda of course another option.

00:36:10Is everyone counting to five in their heads there when Jamal George had the ball in hand?

00:36:20Played back to him again by Richard King.

00:36:22Launched up field, hopefully for St Mirren,

00:36:26they're trying to make use of their height advantage up the top of the pitch

00:36:30and hope that they can pounce on any second ball.

00:36:34Another Celtic player down in the centre circle, this time Benjamin Negrin.

00:36:38He's back up on his feet, Celtic get the game back underway quickly,

00:36:42ties in Maeda.

00:36:44Back to Callum McGregor.

00:36:52Carter Vickers to Alistair Johnson,

00:36:56Rayo Hitati supported now by Kieran Tierney,

00:36:58loves to get forward.

00:37:00Down that left-hand side, here he goes again on the outside.

00:37:04Jaren Richardson, KT, that's fantastic.

00:37:08From Tierney, the header a chance, the downward header there from Adam Ida.

00:37:14But again, that was all about the creation,

00:37:16and the determination and the skill of Kieran Tierney.

00:37:19Yeah, he's like a winger out there, drops his shoulder,

00:37:21goes one way, leaves Richardson, great ball in,

00:37:23which is always the most important thing.

00:37:25Again, Ida gets across his defender,

00:37:27doesn't get enough power on it,

00:37:28he's coming away from the ball probably,

00:37:30the ball's coming behind him more than anything else,

00:37:32he can't get that power in.

00:37:34But great for Kieran Tierney, it's interesting,

00:37:36you see Alistair Johnson seems to be a little bit more narrower in the pitch,

00:37:40and Kieran seems to be the wider one,

00:37:42where last year it was Greg Taylor more in the pitch

00:37:44and Alistair Johnson a little bit wider,

00:37:46so maybe it's something that the manager's been working on.

00:37:48Well, you've now got the option on both flanks,

00:37:50as you said, Greg Taylor didn't particularly like to go on the outside,

00:37:52Kieran Tierney loves it.

00:37:54Absolutely, absolutely,

00:37:55that's a brilliant strength he's got,

00:37:56because he's got fantastic delivery.

00:37:58But just seeing that early in the game there,

00:38:00Alistair Johnson being more narrower than normal.

00:38:06So, approaching the first quarter of an hour,

00:38:11Celtic nil, Mirren nil, Adamida,

00:38:14with a half chance there.

00:38:16You see the referee in the background just counting down the last three seconds,

00:38:20that's the last I'll say about this new rule.

00:38:22I'd love to be able to count to eight.

00:38:32Let's see if we can get towards the end of the season without an actual clock being put on the referee,

00:38:38to test just how many seconds he actually did add on,

00:38:41because of a goal being scored from a corner.

00:38:44I guarantee that'll be happening today, never mind the end of the season.

00:38:52Scales.

00:38:54McGregor.

00:38:56Delighted to have the experience of Kieran Tierney back in the dressing room as well,

00:39:00the more leaders in the dressing room, the better it is for Celtic and Callum,

00:39:05will be the first to admit that.

00:39:07Oh, what a...

00:39:08Oh, it's almost inch-perfect there from Hitate,

00:39:10through the middle of that defence looking for Adamida.

00:39:15Celtic still have it though.

00:39:16Yang.

00:39:20There's a 1-2 with Negrin.

00:39:22Scales.

00:39:23Does really well.

00:39:25They should have had a free kick, but the referee weighs play on.

00:39:28Ciarán Tierney, a great ball in again, inviting onto the head of Adamida.

00:39:34The flag is up on this near side.

00:39:36And again, Celtic threatening from the boot of Ciarán Tierney.

00:39:39Absolutely, fantastic ball in.

00:39:41I mean, to be fair, he pushed the line-up well,

00:39:43but he got a bit fortunate here, I think,

00:39:45the player last moment, because this one on this side,

00:39:47I didn't think he was off.

00:39:48I think that would have counted.

00:39:49Yeah, because it's his hand that's just there.

00:39:51Yeah.

00:39:52He's done well to get away from it,

00:39:53and Adamida were delighted that the crosses are coming in.

00:39:55He knows that as a striker,

00:39:57any striker will tell you,

00:39:58they want the ball coming in,

00:39:59because when they make the movements,

00:40:00then it's up for them.

00:40:01Then that's when you can be critical.

00:40:02When the balls are coming in,

00:40:03you're not getting in the right position,

00:40:04you're not finishing them off,

00:40:05then you've got a right to be complaining.

00:40:08But if the ball doesn't come in the box,

00:40:09you can't score goals.

00:40:10Well, they'll be delighted with the service from Ciarán Tierney so far.

00:40:15The flag was up,

00:40:16and I fancy that VAR might have allowed that one

00:40:18had it gone in the back of the net.

00:40:19That's very, very close.

00:40:20Here's Declan John.

00:40:22Former Rangers player, of course.

00:40:24going for Sip Mirren.

00:40:29The furthest player back,

00:40:30ooh, it's Gogic.

00:40:33Playing a dangerous game there,

00:40:36one-on-one with Adamida.

00:40:38Shamal George now again,

00:40:40long kick-up over the halfway line.

00:40:42McGregor trying to win it there,

00:40:47but away comes Adobu,

00:40:50supported by Richardson.

00:40:52A rare foray forward by St Mirren,

00:40:55but they don't want to commit too many men forward,

00:40:58so easily dealt with.

00:41:00Only the Celtic defence that's back with Kasper Schmeichel.

00:41:04Another year at the club.

00:41:07It's a little bit of warning all the same, Gerry.

00:41:10Tells you they've got a little bit of pace,

00:41:11that was a good ball in.

00:41:12As you rightfully said,

00:41:13they just couldn't get there quick enough.

00:41:18And the lead-up,

00:41:19pushed to the ground there by Cillian Phillips.

00:41:21Yeah, it was on to see if he attained control the first time,

00:41:25made that go away.

00:41:26Quickly taken, Maeda's through on goal,

00:41:28what a chance, he's taken it wide,

00:41:30can he score?

00:41:31He's played it across the goal.

00:41:33Looking for Yang coming in.

00:41:35That was a real chance.

00:41:38The free kick taken very quickly, Maeda,

00:41:41he took it wide,

00:41:42it made the angle very narrow for a shot,

00:41:44and I think he opted for the pass,

00:41:47but it just wasn't there for Yang.

00:41:49It's great thinking with Callum McGregor,

00:41:51he does brilliant, takes it quickly,

00:41:53and exactly what we're saying,

00:41:55getting bodies in the ball quickly,

00:41:56we have the pace to get there,

00:41:58I don't think Maeda can do anything else,

00:42:00I think he's made the right decision.

00:42:02Yang's whether it hangs out,

00:42:04or does he go to the back post,

00:42:05it's a difficult one,

00:42:06but a big chance.

00:42:07Well done, Callum McGregor,

00:42:08and well done,

00:42:09Dyson Maeda.

00:42:10He won every player of the year award going last year,

00:42:15Dyson Maeda, Celtic's top scorer.

00:42:18Can he be the first on the score sheet this season.

00:42:25Celtic come away with the ball,

00:42:27McGregor out to Tierney over the halfway line.

00:42:3019 minutes on the clock,

00:42:32Celtic 0, St Mirren 0.

00:42:34Scales now.

00:42:39Tierney inside to McGregor.

00:42:42Now scales.

00:42:47To his central defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers now.

00:42:53Alistair Johnson.

00:42:55And he's third full season now at Celtic.

00:42:59First-time pass in, lovely return pass, Alistair Johnson!

00:43:02That was a lovely flowing move from Celtic,

00:43:04good defending in the end from St Mirren as Dyson Maeda

00:43:08came in to put the finishing touches to that move.

00:43:13It was a brilliant play,

00:43:14and it was a great ball back,

00:43:15Alistair Johnson fires it into Ademida,

00:43:17first-time was excellent,

00:43:18back into Alistair Johnson,

00:43:19a great ball across,

00:43:21yet again good defending,

00:43:22because Maeda does everything right,

00:43:24tries to get in front of the defender,

00:43:25but he's defended it ever so well.

00:43:27Yeah, St Mirren are defending their six-yard box very well,

00:43:36but for that you'd feel Celtic would be ahead in this game.

00:43:40Celtic by far the more dominant side coming forward,

00:43:43here's Maeda.

00:43:44Back to Tierney.

00:43:46Looking for the little dink over the top there to Maeda,

00:43:50got a touch on that one, but...

00:43:52too heavy,

00:43:54and it will be a goal kick to St Mirren.

00:43:59As you say, this is a build-up to it,

00:44:01it's a great ball in here,

00:44:02and you think to yourself,

00:44:03Alistair Johnson plays it,

00:44:04doesn't stand still, great touch back,

00:44:05Maeda's trying to get there,

00:44:06gets across,

00:44:07Richardson's very good defending.

00:44:11Yeah, quick thinking from Adam Ida as well,

00:44:13involved in that one-two with Alistair Johnson.

00:44:16Well, we say that to him,

00:44:17Adam's got to work on that,

00:44:18his link play at times,

00:44:19because he's got the power,

00:44:21he's got that pace once he leaves it off,

00:44:24sometimes I think he rushes it too much,

00:44:26and he's so quick,

00:44:27I don't think he really needs to do that,

00:44:29he can take that extra bit of care,

00:44:31but that was excellent there.

00:44:39Celtic really dominating the midfield.

00:44:44As Liam Scales steps into the St Mirren half,

00:44:47Kieran Tierney has seen an awful lot of the ball,

00:44:49as has this man,

00:44:51Dyson Maeda,

00:44:52pass to Kieran Tierney,

00:44:54just a little bit short,

00:44:55cut out by Killian Phillips.

00:44:56St Mirren now with an opportunity

00:44:59to come forward,

00:45:01it's O'Hara.

00:45:04Celtic back in their defensive shape now.

00:45:10It's Fraser, back to O'Hara, back to Fraser.

00:45:13First-time ball in to Phillips,

00:45:16but Celtic just overwhelmed the St Mirren man,

00:45:19and Negrin now comes away with the ball,

00:45:21tries to pick out Yang,

00:45:23has he got the pace to keep that in?

00:45:24He has.

00:45:25Good play from Yang.

00:45:26Celtic players now coming forward to support.

00:45:29Yang gives it back to Negrin,

00:45:31supported by Hatate,

00:45:3225 yards from goal,

00:45:34thought about the shot,

00:45:35went for the pass,

00:45:36it breaks back to Kieran Tierney,

00:45:38and that time the cross from Tierney

00:45:41was just too heavy

00:45:43and an easy take for the St Mirren goalkeeper.

00:45:45Yeah, I'm surprised again Kieran didn't step on

00:45:47and have a strike,

00:45:49we've seen him do it before,

00:45:50as I said earlier,

00:45:51he's more than capable of that,

00:45:52and there was space in front of him.

00:45:53It's a very difficult one to pick out

00:45:55a sort of half cross there really,

00:45:57more than anything else,

00:45:58because there's so many bodies in a tight area.

00:46:05Strong play from William Scales there,

00:46:09up against Nikhil Mandrun,

00:46:12he's going to have it inside the Celtic half,

00:46:15way over in the far side with Phillips,

00:46:18trying to win the throw off Kieran Tierney,

00:46:21but in the end,

00:46:23Tierney outfoxes Phillips,

00:46:26and wins the throw for Celtic.

00:46:28The noticeable thing,

00:46:30I think they're putting early crosses in,

00:46:32I think that's giving St Mirren a problem,

00:46:34because they expect maybe to take possession,

00:46:36take it back again,

00:46:37but the ball's coming in early,

00:46:38so they're having to defend,

00:46:39and we're a bit unfortunate,

00:46:41and I just say,

00:46:42just keep doing that,

00:46:43don't get frustrated with it,

00:46:44because the opportunities will arrive.

00:46:46There's the Mirren players getting in each other's way there.

00:46:53Richardson now for the buddies.

00:46:58Phillips with the cross, no one in there.

00:47:01Ball out.

00:47:04The box on the near side,

00:47:06up in the air there from Alistair Johnson,

00:47:08an opportunity perhaps if Celtic can get on this to hit St Mirren on the break,

00:47:12but a heavy touch there from Adamida,

00:47:14gives it back to the away side,

00:47:16and the black and red away strips.

00:47:19Forward they come again.

00:47:26Towards Mandrin,

00:47:27he was fouling Liam Scales in order to try and win that ball,

00:47:31referee Don Robertson spotted that.

00:47:34Liam Scales and Vickers have done that very well,

00:47:36and their 1v1 jewels have used their body very well

00:47:39to defend against quick and strong opponents,

00:47:43and they're going to need to be on their metal for this game,

00:47:45because they will ask you questions.

00:47:49No mid-week match for Celtic,

00:47:54so the trip to Petaudry to face Aberdeen will be match day number two next Sunday.

00:48:05Early kick-off.

00:48:14Ball playing forward, no takers.

00:48:16Gogic there.

00:48:17St Mirren launches that one.

00:48:20Forward, ball breaks the way of O'Hara,

00:48:22leaves it for Fraser Taylor.

00:48:24King gives it out to Declan John,

00:48:29being chased by Yang as John comes forward.

00:48:32Alistair Johnson gets in the way to make the tackle.

00:48:36Throw to St Mirren.

00:48:37Professor Taylor, an example of a young player making his way through the ranks at St Mirren.

00:48:46The loan really worked out for him at Abroath last season.

00:48:49High, dangerous ball, but that was really well read by Liam Scales.

00:48:54Yeah, isn't it?

00:48:55It just shows you for Stevie Robinson, for the young boy Taylor, you'd always say Stevie's boys are big in size and power and strength.

00:49:06He's a footballer, he's almost only about five foot seven, and it shows he trusts that.

00:49:11So I don't think it gives enough credit for that at times, Stevie Robinson.

00:49:14He gets his team to try and play.

00:49:16I know financially sometimes that dictates as well, but to give the young boy to a commute for playing their first division football,

00:49:22to play at Celtic Park, great credit to them.

00:49:25That man there we hope to see back in a Celtic shot soon.

00:49:35The guy on the right, not the guy on the left, that's Jota of course.

00:49:40Absolutely.

00:49:42Out with that, recovering from that cruciate knee injury he sustained towards the end of last season.

00:49:54Snapshot there.

00:49:56Comes in from Declan John.

00:49:59Nothing to alarm Kasper Schmeichel.

00:50:04But as part of the players we spoke about earlier on, Gerry and the fact they'll get you into areas of the pitch to get long throws and they can launch it in your box.

00:50:12And they work really, really hard on, not that first contact, if they can't get that they've got a lot of bodies round the ball,

00:50:17so they always ask questions and they always do it, as long as they're in the game they'll continue to do it.

00:50:22Johnson inside to Rio Hattati in the centre circle.

00:50:28Back to Alistair Johnson.

00:50:31St Mirren trying to force Celtic back, Celtic trying to play through the St Mirren lines, Yank wide on the right.

00:50:39Alistair Johnson now back to Yank.

00:50:41Johnson, first-time cross from the Canadian.

00:50:49Decent one, he's fallen to Ciaran, oh, chance there as he fires a volley across the face of the goal.

00:50:55Ademida was there on the six-yard line, so too was Alex Gogic and I think it came off Gogic and he's gone behind for a corner.

00:51:01It's perfect, your body's in the box, but it comes to Ciaran, and we say he's more than capable of it, he's driven it across goal,

00:51:07the right thing to do, people say if you're going to have a strike for there, put it across goal, it could end up being an OG or whatever.

00:51:15Negrin over for the corner, trying to rouse the crowd.

00:51:24A delivery onto the header, Liam Scales might do the job.

00:51:27Benjamin, in it comes.

00:51:29The header clear, but only as far as Alan McGregor, now Rio Hattati.

00:51:34Tierney wanted that, was in space on the left.

00:51:37Hattati went for a cross that was cleared and now it's up inside the Celtic half and it'll go all the way back to Kasper Schmeichel.

00:51:44Long one from Schmeichel, headed back, but a head tennis there.

00:51:54Taken down on the chest of Dyson Maeda, now I think Ciaran Tierney will get it.

00:51:59Now here's Hattati.

00:52:05He's always looking for that pass, he's always looking to see if he can get the killer pass, Hattati.

00:52:10He picks up fantastic areas.

00:52:13Sure as I say, I say that.

00:52:15Just missed control by one, yep.

00:52:19Commentator's cursed there, Celtic have a throw.

00:52:21He's just such a good player, he just moves ever so well.

00:52:24And just sees pictures and he's dictating to others as he passes the ball where the next pass can go.

00:52:28Not necessarily to have to receive it.

00:52:41Negrin.

00:52:43Negrin.

00:52:48Aramida in the box, back to goal.

00:52:51Alex Gogic clearly got the job of a man marking.

00:52:55Aramida, flag is up anyway.

00:52:57Yeah, I thought of that, it just went a little bit early.

00:53:00Didn't need to, too, because if he realises Gogic is the central of the three, the back three, that he can work off of him.

00:53:10And it would have been very difficult for Gogic to catch him anyway.

00:53:13Such a hard shift in the lone striker.

00:53:20Yeah, especially with Celtic dominating so much, because you're up and back.

00:53:26I mean, sometimes in Europe it's a slightly different position in the ball.

00:53:31Celtic are dominating most of the game.

00:53:33Well, this time the decision goes the way of St Mirren.

00:53:38Mikhail Mandrun fouled about 25 yards from goal on the left-hand side.

00:53:46So watch this one again, late challenge there from Callum.

00:53:52He says that was a free kick as he counts out the ten yards between the ball and the Celtic wall.

00:54:00So first opportunity here for St Mirren to perhaps try and use the physical or height advantage

00:54:07that they have with a couple of their players, Killian Phillips being one of them.

00:54:11Alex Gogic, another.

00:54:17Mandrun himself is quite the imposing figure.

00:54:22So Kasper Schmeichel goes for three in the wall as Declan John lines this up.

00:54:26And it comes from John, oh it's a chance, that's a great defensive clearance from Liam Scales.

00:54:36I thought that one was just going to be played in the back of the net there from Jaden Richardson.

00:54:41Still the shot comes in there from O'Hara and it's punched away by Kasper Schmeichel and out for a throw on the far side.

00:54:47I think at 100% right, it's brilliant by Liam Scales, very good ball in, and he defends it ever so well.

00:54:54Well, there's a save from Schmeichel, but it was the initial chance from the cross from Declan John that I thought was just going to be tapped in by Jaden Richardson.

00:55:03But Liam Scales read the situation brilliantly.

00:55:06There is a throw to St Mirren.

00:55:09Phillips gets the return on the right.

00:55:15Taylor.

00:55:17Play then, away, up towards the halfway line, Gogic there for St Mirren.

00:55:24There it comes again from Phillips, that one.

00:55:34Easily taken by Kasper Schmeichel now, kick up field.

00:55:38The chase is on there for Adam Ida, but it's a lot closer to Alex Gogic, who gives it back to his goalkeeper, who launches one up towards the halfway line.

00:55:46We're over the halfway point, 32 minutes gone, what have you made of it, Peter Grant?

00:55:52Yeah, I think probably the start of the season game, everybody's wanting to do well, but we've had good chances, good opportunities, balls getting in the box.

00:56:01You'd probably like to work the goalkeeper a little bit more, that's the biggest thing, I would say more than anything else.

00:56:05In St Mirren I've shown they're always dangerous when it comes to set plays, crosses come round your box, you have to defend them well.

00:56:11So I think the result at this moment in time is probably correct.

00:56:16You know, we haven't worked the goalkeeper enough, even more than probably a lion's share of the game and opportunities.

00:56:21Good ball inside from Callum McGregor to Tierney, outside left as Dyson Maeda running it.

00:56:27Jadon Richardson on the outside, good block from Richardson out for the Celtic throw.

00:56:33Nice first-time ball in from Ciaran Tierney, laid off by Adam Eder.

00:56:48He's blown the flags up again on this near side, yep.

00:56:52It's one of those performances where if Celtic were to get a goal and go in 1-0, you would say that was a good first half.

00:56:57That was a good first half. Yes, absolutely. They just don't have the goal.

00:57:00Absolutely, it's a great lay-off here by Adam Eder, and you think he's going to get the strike in,

00:57:04but he's obviously offside prior to it.

00:57:06But the crosses that come in, we talk about Ciaran Tierney's ball, Adam Eder's just been stretching a couple of times,

00:57:11good defender for St Mirren.

00:57:13And yet again, we go back to Liam Scales, fantastic block there, Kasper Schmeichel made sure with the save.

00:57:19So you'd probably say a draw at this moment is probably fair, but Celtic will just be disappointed,

00:57:26maybe in that final pass.

00:57:29Good play from Tierney, it's been excellent for Celtic in his first 35 minutes.

00:57:42There's his knee grin, here's McGregor, now Tierney again as Celtic come forward, his cross is blocked by Phillips,

00:57:51but Tierney will keep it in.

00:57:57Celtic forced back, scales now.

00:58:02Tierney does well inside too, McGregor, some space in the centre circle for Alistair Johnson,

00:58:08and gives it to Benjamin Negrin, Johnson gets the return,

00:58:13the ball breaks, will it fall for real, Hattati,

00:58:16the ball breaks to Yang, edge of the area, Hattati stays forward,

00:58:19chance for a cross from Hattati, and it goes!

00:58:22In was coming, Dyson Maeda, the ball into the hands of the St Mirren goalkeeper, Shemal George.

00:58:29Yeah, it's a difficult one here, because usually when you say to someone,

00:58:31the closer you get to the byline, you just look for the back post,

00:58:34but you can see the movement of Dyson Maeda getting across,

00:58:37and to be fair to George, he does well, he comes to his front post area,

00:58:40and gets here before Dyson,

00:58:42but it was good movement with the two strikers,

00:58:44because I didn't need to have seen him, Dyson Maeda come in,

00:58:46he went to the back post, so hopefully we keep getting the ball down the side of the pitch,

00:58:50because the crosses that are coming in, it's causing a little bit of upset

00:58:53in the back line of St Mirren, even though they've defended them well.

00:58:57They've been caught out a couple of times.

00:59:0010 minutes to half-time, Celtic 0, St Mirren 0.

00:59:05Live outside the UK and Ireland here on Celtic TV.

00:59:12We're looking forward to an exciting season ahead.

00:59:16Tierney back to Scales, Carter Vickers now to Schmeichel.

00:59:28Tierney, McGregor, Celtic's driving force in the middle of the pitch, finds Tierney.

00:59:43Now Hatate, McGregor, Tierney, back to Scales.

00:59:50Now Alistair Johnson, ahead of Johnson, wide right is Yang.

01:00:09Nice footwork from Yang.

01:00:12Atate, Tierney, corner of the boxes, Dyson Maeda.

01:00:18St Mirren packing that defence, here's Tierney twisting and turning the cross.

01:00:27Into the head, unfortunately, of Alex Gogic, but look at that commitment from the captain there.

01:00:34To win it back for Celtic, that's wonderful for McGregor.

01:00:38It's a massive part of the game, especially when you've got so many attacking, thinking players that Callum's rolling there,

01:00:43being that centre one, how important that area is.

01:00:46I know he picks a lot of the ball up, but that's so important that defensively you're in that shape to help,

01:00:50especially when Celtic predominantly play 1v1 at the back.

01:00:53that his position plays so good, and he's done tremendously well there.

01:00:58Yang.

01:01:00Yang.

01:01:09Now Alistair Johnson back to Cameron and Carter Vickers.

01:01:15That's an take with the lion's share of possession, as Peter says,

01:01:19would love to get a goal before half-time to show some fruits of their labour.

01:01:25McGregor finds Johnson, who finds Yang.

01:01:30Johnson goes on the overlap, Yang uses him as a decoy.

01:01:33McGregor, Atate quickly close down, Ida, edge of the area, no space.

01:01:38There's just no space. Yang.

01:01:41Kingnick got a foot in.

01:01:44Celtic win it back, and win it back well.

01:01:47Maeda leaves that for Negrin.

01:01:50Trying to play that through the gap to Kieran Tierney, but it's cleared away.

01:01:54Negrin's first real example of a packed Scottish defence.

01:02:01And it's one team that is fantastically good at it, St Mirren.

01:02:05You have to move the ball sharp, you have to move it quick,

01:02:07and to be fair, the boys did that round about the box,

01:02:10but St Mirren have got that diligence to defend and throw their bodies in front.

01:02:16That's probably the biggest disappointment,

01:02:18you have not worked Jamal George and the St Mirren goal enough.

01:02:28Well, six minutes to half-time.

01:02:30Celtic nil, St Mirren nil.

01:02:34Best chance for Celtic, falling to the head of Adam Ida.

01:02:39I think Maeda just unable to keep that one in on the far side.

01:02:47Besides that, a few saves that Jamal George has had to make,

01:02:51but nothing really directed at him.

01:02:54Kasper Schmeichel really just possession plate at the back for Celtic.

01:03:00Nothing really to trouble Kasper Schmeichel.

01:03:05Apart from that, Marco had a shot, of course, that he had to punch away.

01:03:08Forgot about that.

01:03:09Yeah, but it was probably more a camera save in that respect.

01:03:12You know what I mean?

01:03:14To be fair to St Mirren, but you've always got to go on your guard with them, as I say,

01:03:17because of their set plays and their long throws.

01:03:19Negrin back to McGregor.

01:03:25Tierney.

01:03:26Maeda.

01:03:28Hatate back to Tierney.

01:03:30Negrin plays a nice one-two with Hatate.

01:03:33Through the middle, onto the chest of Adam Ida.

01:03:36Well, just couldn't come down quickly enough for Adam Ida to get any punches with the left foot.

01:03:45That was a weak effort into the body of Jamal George.

01:03:49Yeah, it was, Tierney plays the one-two, Phillips bumps him off.

01:03:53Negrin sees it, Adam Ida pulls off, drags that first.

01:03:56His first touch is good, but yet again, Gogic more than actually Adam Ida not getting the strike away.

01:04:01Gogic has got the boot in.

01:04:06As I say, just not going to get frustrated, because the chance will come.

01:04:10Celtic trying to release Dyson Maeda with his pace, but Jadon Richardson is no slouch.

01:04:16Beat Maeda too, that one.

01:04:19I was just going to say that, he should have turned the pace there.

01:04:25Yeah, that's one thing I remember about Jadon Richardson when he was at Aberdeen, he was very fast.

01:04:33Four minutes left of the first half, Celtic looking for the opening goal.

01:04:37But St Mirren have it in defence.

01:04:39It's a return from Taylor, they'll be happy just to try and kill the game to half-time.

01:04:57They'll be happy just to leave here at 0-0.

01:04:59You'll see that as a result for them.

01:05:01It's up to Celtic to break down their resolute defence.

01:05:09Only things never change over the years, that's for sure, you have to do that.

01:05:12You have to have that patience to do that, you have to have the quality to do it.

01:05:15Celtic have got that.

01:05:17Scales gives it to Cameron Carter-Vickers.

01:05:20Scales gives it to Cameron Carter-Vickers.

01:05:24Scales gives it to Cameron Carter-Vickers.

01:05:31Scales gives it to Cameron Carter-Vickers.

01:05:33That was the Johnson now.

01:05:43McGregor.

01:05:45Hatate.

01:05:46Looking for the run of Yang, it's cut out.

01:05:50Good position though from McGregor to win it back for Celtic.

01:05:53There's space now as Tierney comes forward, and finds Maeda,

01:05:57quick ball in, that's quick thinking from Maeda.

01:06:00Celtic forwards there, Ida, Yang, a little bit static,

01:06:05caught on their heels there as that quick ball came across from Dyson.

01:06:08That was a great ball, all the things that strikers look for

01:06:11was the ball coming in quickly, he'd done that,

01:06:14Mada couldn't do any more than that.

01:06:17Corner to Celtic.

01:06:19Played short to Johnson, back to Yang.

01:06:24Middle of the park is McGregor, Negrin, tees it up for the cross,

01:06:29that should be an easy one for George, and it is.

01:06:32I'm surprised he actually played it because he had a 2v1 with Yang there

01:06:37against the St Mirren defender.

01:06:44I think it's a great ball, people always say hit that second six-yard box,

01:06:47and that's exactly what he did.

01:06:57Tierney launches one high into the heart of the St Mirren defence,

01:07:02onto the head of Gogic, knocked on by O'Hara.

01:07:05Celtic have it, though.

01:07:07Alistair Johnson, oh, it's a late tackle.

01:07:09Now he's got to play.

01:07:11Into the back of Alistair Johnson, Celtic perhaps looking for the advantage there,

01:07:15despite the fact referee Don Robertson gives the door with the yellow card,

01:07:18he could have come back and given him that, Celtic had the ball.

01:07:21I agree, I think it's Negrin who gets free,

01:07:25and he's right into the box, I'm so surprised, I know he's pulled.

01:07:28That's maybe what McGregor's saying to Don Robertson,

01:07:33I think there's maybe an acknowledgement from the referee there that he...

01:07:37You see the spacing, Negrin, look at Negrin now.

01:07:41Yeah.

01:07:42I think Callum and Nat's complaining that he'd have preferred to have been in the box.

01:07:47Well, it's the first game of the season for some of these referees as well,

01:07:55so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt as they find their feet.

01:07:59Find their whistle.

01:08:01Free kick to Celtic in the closing seconds of the half,

01:08:06taking shot, now Yang has it inside to McGregor.

01:08:10Cross switching it across, looking for Tierney.

01:08:14Gets the break of the ball from Phillips, finds Hatate.

01:08:20Celtic will need to get this ball forward.

01:08:23They want to get an opportunity before the whistle goes.

01:08:27Not sure there'll be any time added.

01:08:30And there will be one minute added, so we begin the final minute of the half.

01:08:40Celtic have it with Tierney, now Maeda.

01:08:44Can he work some magic down the left-hand side?

01:08:47Gives it back to Tierney, gets the return.

01:08:51Hatate to Maeda, St Mirren with everybody back,

01:08:57trying to keep the door closed until the half-time whistle sounds.

01:09:01Johnson to Yang.

01:09:03Across to Yang.

01:09:11Across to Hatate, McGregor, Tierney.

01:09:15Now Maeda, a chance to run it, Richardson.

01:09:20Oh, it's a nice ball back, it's a chance for Negrin!

01:09:22Oh, and the save off the crossbar from George, the header back in from Negrin.

01:09:28And it's another save from the St Mirren goalkeeper,

01:09:30that is the chance of the first half, right at the death for Celtic.

01:09:34Absolutely, we're saying get it in the box, he's going to have the last chance and shoot his fate.

01:09:38I don't know how he's saved it, if it's Goggins touched it, it's come back to the keeper and he's flapped onto the bar.

01:09:43Oh, I think he's just saved it.

01:09:45Yeah, it's just come up off him and hit the bar.

01:09:47Yeah, it's a great save, it's a great save, you watch it here.

01:09:50Yeah, it's hurt his foot, hurt his hand and then hit the bar.

01:09:55Well, Shemal George has kept his team in it.

01:09:58That is a wonderful effort there from Benjamin Negrin, right at the end.

01:10:03Not many fantastic highlights from that first 45, but that there from Negrin

01:10:08showed perhaps why he is on the pitch and getting his first competitive start for Celtic.

01:10:13Plenty of positives in terms of possession, in terms of attitude, in terms of commitment,

01:10:18but perhaps a feeling that they should have worked Shemal George a little bit more in that first 45,

01:10:25but still 45 minutes for Celtic to find the back of the net.

01:10:30But at half-time here on flag day, it is Celtic nil, Sittmirren nil.

01:10:48The Arashek has put Kamara in, time for another cross, Miller missed it,

01:10:57and Gary Hay having to dig it out before Petrov could get near it.

01:11:01Well, it's a great ball again, I mean, it's a fantastic start to the game,

01:11:04that's a fantastic ball.

01:11:06Gary Colwell has lost it to Stephen Naismith.

01:11:14Fantastic opportunity, second chance maybe for Naismith,

01:11:18and Boric fails out Celtic with a double save.

01:11:21What is Gary Colwell doing?

01:11:23Trying to run the ball out of defence.

01:11:25Stephen Naismith does well, decent shot, good save from the keeper.

01:11:30I think Jim Jeffries will be looking at that as a chance gone, decent save.

01:11:42Kenny Miller has caught out, David Lilley, that could be ominous for Killy,

01:11:47especially as Miller has found Swarovski.

01:11:50That'll do for starters this season, Macev, Swarovski on target

01:11:58as the new strike force combines a great effect,

01:12:02but what a mistake from Lilley.

01:12:04Well, it was a dreadful mistake from Lilley.

01:12:09He had time and he had space, Kenny Miller does fantastically well,

01:12:12I have to say, cuts inside, picks his head up.

01:12:14That's a fantastic pass to Swarovski, and that's clinical.

01:12:17And he proved it last season, he can score goals after a slow start of Swarovski,

01:12:22and his strike partner puts it on the plate for him.

01:12:25Last-ditch attempt on the line, but it's far too late,

01:12:28and Jim Jeffries will be absolutely fuming,

01:12:30because Kilmarnock have started this game reasonably well.

01:12:37Wilson, Miller.

01:12:39Sets it up nicely for Swarovski, Yaroschik!

01:12:44Welcome to Celtic, Jiri Yaroschik makes his mark, it's 2-0.

01:13:14已经 passed up nicely for Finance,

01:13:24but could everyone be able to do his job somehow,

01:13:27and...

2025 08 03 - Celtic vs St Mirren - Flag Day - 1st half

Category

Transcript

Recommended