Celtic

Celtic overcame an important defensive feat during Wednesday's 4-0 win over Motherwell, ahead of a huge end to the month of October.

If we want to achieve success in all three games, the backline will be crucial. And although the Edinburgh side may be struggling a little, their stadium is always a tricky venue to play at. Celtic overcame an important defensive feat by keeping their first clean sheet in eight games during Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Motherwell, ahead of a huge end to the month of October.

The Swiss striker scored a crucial winner against Grazer AK in the Austrian Cup.

Of course, I'm now trying to give everything on the pitch and of course I'm grateful for this trust. "That's why I came. "That was crucial for me. Don't forget, I really haven't played for a long time. But of course I haven't reached my top-top level yet. The atmosphere was amazing.

Ange Postecoglou has insisted he has been happy with the contributions of Kyogo as he put a frustrating run in front of goal to an end.

Kyogo Furuhashi is the perfect example of that. He had a great shot in the first half, and he hit the post last weekend. “He is contributing, he’s causing problems for the opposition. And that is no different at Celtic. However, with 15 minutes from time, the Celtic striker got the goal he had been waiting for. The ex-Socceroos boss joked that, like all strikers, Kyogo would have been extremely disappointed at not scoring for several games.

Shakhtar Donetsk's league clash against Minaj on Saturday is reportedly set to be postponed, according to Ukrainian media outlet Tribuna.

Unfortunately for Celtic, Shakhtar are likely to be fresh going into the game at Celtic Park due to this weekend’s postponement as the Hoops prepare for a tough test at Tynecastle. However, a victory against Shakhtar would also be crucial to keep those hopes alive as Ange Postecoglou’s squad looks to pick up their first three points in this season’s Champions League. This news comes ahead of their trip to Glasgow to take on Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side in the penultimate UEFA Champions League group stage game.

Here, The Celtic Way highlights some key Wyscout data from the League Cup success in North Lanarkshire to give you a match report like no other. xG dynamics.

The Australian was more accurate though, with two of his three finding a teammate while none of O’Riley’s found their target. Hatate had the third highest, thanks to the high value of the opportunity for his goal. By contrast, Motherwell’s network is disparate with a lack of forward passes beyond the halfway line. In the midfield, there are plenty of forward passes showing just how often Celtic were able to carve through their hosts. A well-timed finish on the volley, it had the lowest xG of Celtic’s four goals on the night (0.28). In the basic defensive metrics, stand-in skipper Cameron Carter-Vickers underlined his importance with another solid showing at the back. A Matthew Penney strike from just outside the box early in the second, which was turned around the post by the Swiss keeper, was their ‘best chance’. However, the data provider does not appear to have included McKinstry’s effort in the first half when he sliced wide after some poor defending by Mortiz Jenz. Celtic’s final two efforts were Abada’s strike off the post and Kyogo’s follow up which made it four on 76 minutes. There then followed a lull before Abada arrived to finish off an incisive move involving Haksabanovic and Taylor to open the scoring just before half-time. Abada’s initial effort had an xG value of 0.20 with the rebound from Kyogo carrying an xG value of 0.69. The chance had an xG value of 0.72 and gave Celtic a half-time total of 2.76, as well as an important breakthrough.

Young Celtic talent Rocco Vata is reportedly being tracked by some of Europe's biggest clubs, such as Juventus and Arsenal [Tuttomercato].

It is no surprise to hear that other clubs are sniffing around another Celtic talent. The teenager has the credentials to continue his development and become a top winger who will hopefully one day feature as part of Ange Postecoglou’s first team. After a strong first campaign as part of the Celtic B side, Vata’s brilliant development has continued into this season, and the attacker has arguably been the Bhoys’ strongest performer in 2022/23. It is now up to Celtic to make sure they do all they can to keep ahold of one of our brightest young talents coming through at Lennoxtown. Celtic supporters were given their first glimpse of the Ireland under-18 international in the first team during pre-season when he featured and scored for the Hoops in a win against Wiener Viktoria. However, his 17-year-old son is now making his own impact felt at Celtic as one of the Hoops current best academy talents rising through the ranks.

Arsenal must overcome heavyweight competition if they're to complete a bargain deal for a Celtic midfielder branded their 'brightest jewel'.

Manager Ange Postecoglou is understood to be behind that firm stance. Doing so would reportedly be against his better judgement right now. Their trust in youth is paying dividends already. Rudi played for [Celtic](https://www.teamtalk.com/tag/celtic) between 1993-97 and his son, Rocco, is currently in their youth ranks. [Arsenal ](https://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal)will continue to secure their future when the time comes in the market.

The performances in Greg Taylor and Alexandro Bernabei in recent weeks have showcased the beauty of Celtic's recent rotation to the side.

And that is the beauty of Ange Postecoglou’s rotations to his starting 11. But, his last two performances have shown he is getting there and also adding his own pacey qualities to the role. Not one of them are the same player. On several occasions, Postecoglou has been keen to insist on the importance of having several quality wingers who all bring different traits to the table. The positives of Celtic rotation on show as Taylor and Bernabei display their quality differences. Although some supporters might have questioned the decision to replace Bernabei following on from his impressive Parkhead domestic debut, last night’s performance showcased the positives of Ange Postecoglou’s squad rotation.

Here, The Celtic Way highlights some key Wyscout data from the League Cup success in North Lanarkshire to give you a match report like no other. xG dynamics.

The Australian was more accurate though, with two of his three finding a teammate while none of O’Riley’s found their target. Hatate had the third highest, thanks to the high value of the opportunity for his goal. By contrast, Motherwell’s network is disparate with a lack of forward passes beyond the halfway line. In the midfield, there are plenty of forward passes showing just how often Celtic were able to carve through their hosts. A well-timed finish on the volley, it had the lowest xG of Celtic’s four goals on the night (0.28). In the basic defensive metrics, stand-in skipper Cameron Carter-Vickers underlined his importance with another solid showing at the back. A Matthew Penney strike from just outside the box early in the second, which was turned around the post by the Swiss keeper, was their ‘best chance’. However, the data provider does not appear to have included McKinstry’s effort in the first half when he sliced wide after some poor defending by Mortiz Jenz. Celtic’s final two efforts were Abada’s strike off the post and Kyogo’s follow up which made it four on 76 minutes. There then followed a lull before Abada arrived to finish off an incisive move involving Haksabanovic and Taylor to open the scoring just before half-time. Abada’s initial effort had an xG value of 0.20 with the rebound from Kyogo carrying an xG value of 0.69. The chance had an xG value of 0.72 and gave Celtic a half-time total of 2.76, as well as an important breakthrough.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has hinted that a few of the young members of his squad could be set for an opportunity against Celtic.

We are waiting for some of the more senior ones to come back.” You can see things are a wee bit makeshift because we are putting guys into positions they aren’t as comfortable in, but you have to try and do it to get a team out there. You just look at what you’ve got available, try to put a squad together and a team together for that game. We have a massive game this week against Celtic, and we need to start picking up points. It’s been a really difficult period for us with the amount of injuries. In terms of performance, we are creating chances but not taking them.

Rocco Vata is a reported transfer target for a clutch of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Manchester City. The English Premier League champions have ...

[ Ange Postecoglou,](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/ange-postecoglou) but the Australian does not view him as a member for his first team quite yet. The report states 'the valuation is around 2 million.' Juventus, Roma and Arsenal are also said to be keen while there's also some admiration in Milan. Vata has featured in the [ UEFA Youth League](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/uefa-champions-league) that mirrors the senior side's Champions League Group F campaign and has had the experience of playing against top talents from Spanish giants Real Madrid, Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk and German side RB Leipzig. A youth international for the Republic of Ireland, the youngster played a part in pre-season for manager [Parkhead ](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/celtic-park)starlet Vata is the latest to be linked to Pep Guardiola's side, who are following him 'closely' according to [Tuttomercato](https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/tmw-celtic-tutti-pazzi-per-rocco-vata-classe-2005-e-seguito-da-juventus-e-milan-1745726).

The video assistant referee system will be in place for the full Scottish Premiership fixture card this weekend.

This is a great game to be involved in and I would rather play against one of the Old Firm at home and have a great atmosphere. We are very hopeful about getting Andy (Halliday) back in as well, and a couple more but we will keep that up our sleeve just now." The Ange Postecoglou's Scottish champions will visit Gorgie when [VAR](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/var) is in place for the first time, and Neilson admits he expects there to be problems with the technology early on. The game the night before will have it so I will be watching it with eagle eyes, just to see how it goes. It will be interesting, but I think it's really important that we take this step forward.

Motherwell manager Stevie Hammell was left 'massively disappointed' by the manner of his side's defeat to Celtic on Wednesday night.

Celtic are undoubtedly a daunting prospect for teams up and down the country right now. I thought for large parts of the first half we did OK, we were in the game, we were strong, and wanted to get after them. When the players hit top form, opponents can’t really cope, regardless of the game time they come into the match with. It’s a good goal from their point of view, but from our point of view it’s absolutely avoidable.” “We’ve come up against a very good team, there’s no getting away from that, it’s a team that’s on a certain level that we can’t compete with. The second goal is the disappointing one.

Get all the latest Scottish football news and headlines sent straight to your inbox daily by signing up to our free newsletter. From the cinch Premiership and ...

Roma, [Manchester City](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/all-about/manchester-city) and [Arsenal ](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc)have also been named as potential suitors by Italian outlet [TUTTOmercato](https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/milan/?action=read&idtmw=1745726). [Celtic ](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/all-about/celtic-fc)ahead of a potential transfer move. The 17-year-old is highly rated at Parkhead and his contract runs until the summer of 2024. [here](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/) to take yourself to our Newsletter Preference Centre. [Ange Postecoglou](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/all-about/ange-postecoglou) has no intention of selling Vata, with a valuation of around £1.75million mooted. Vata is a versatile attacking midfielder and he's been capped for Republic of Ireland's youth teams.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson is looking forward to facing the test of Celtic's visit to Tynecastle on Saturday afternoon.

I expect them to be very expansive and we have to try and find areas to pick them off.” It’s a great game to be involved in, there’ll be a great intensity to the game. We’ve managed to get a few guys back as well, which bolsters the squad a wee bit.

The Israeli league leaders are in no rush to let their prize asset leave for the Scottish Premiership.

They state that the forward "is enjoying himself at Maccabi Tel Aviv" and is in "no rush to run abroad" despite being on Celtic's radar. They report that "the parties are expected to soon start sitting down on numbers and a contract to try and reach an agreement" before the January window opens. The prospect has netted four goals in his last three appearances in the Israeli League with Tel Aviv surging to the top of the division.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed the subject of midfield balance in the absence of Callum McGregor, as well as his stance on slowly bedding in ...

I’m sure that they will from now on and get better for it.” “With Mooy and Bernabei and even with Haksabanovic, and probably Abildgaard will come into it a bit – we’ve taken our time with those guys. But in the back of my mind I had a feeling he could play that area. Last season was a bit of a unique situation where we just threw guys in. “When we signed Matt O’Riley we kind of knew he could play either one. [BBC Radio Scotland](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_scotland_mw) [19/10, 17:48], the manager said: “I’m really pleased.

On-loan Celtic striker Albian Ajeti is finding form in Austria with Sturm Graz after scoring his 3rd goal for his temporary side last night.

Ajeti was given a few chances to rejuvenate his Celtic career last season. With Albian Ajeti now finding his feet over in Austria, it can only prove to be a positive thing for Celtic if the striker can remain injury-free. At the beginning of the month, Ajeti scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Austria Vienna, which earned him a starting spot in back-to-back matches against Lazio in the Europa League.

The financial gulf between Celtic and Rangers and the rest of Scotland's football clubs widened this season with both clubs earning around £30million for ...

We’ve probably not picked up the results we wanted but we are still in that area and in contention to be there.” “The objective was to be in third position when we got to that point,” added Neilson. “At the end of the season we want to be in a position that we get group-stage football again. A lot of the teams outside the Old Firm have a great season and get into Europe, then they have a bad season. You will have Rangers and Celtic in the top two positions but it is the job of everyone else to get close to them. We’ve said all along that to try and get closer to them you have to have consistent European football that brings in the revenue.

Hearts naturally want to be competing on all fronts, but being out of the Premier Sports Cup has allowed them a rare full week to prepare for Saturday's ...

[Rangers](/topic/rangers) and [Celtic](/topic/celtic) in the top two positions but it is the job of everyone else to get close to them. Once we get the players back we will get that consistency back. It’s good to get some of them back and by the end of the month I expect a few more to come back. Peter Haring will miss it due to concussion protocol which is disappointing, but Andy Halliday will make it and a few of the others will be in contention. “We have been able to get a couple of boys back fit, so it has been good to have that. The league is congested and Neilson knows time is on their side.

Their hoodoo infront of goal has well and truly ended with Ange Postecoglou's side scoring ten goals over the past two games, against Hibernian and Motherwell ...

It is safe to say that the game between Celtic and Hearts could go one of two ways. It must be pointed out though that Hearts have not been in good form coming into this game. I expect them to be very expansive and we have to try and find areas to pick them off.” “They have a lot of possession, in the wider areas, with the numbers eights breaking forward, we have to try and shut them off. We’ve managed to get a few guys back as well, which bolsters the squad a wee bit. Many will remember that Celtic lost their first Premiership game under the management of Postecoglou there last season.

The Hoops secured a Premier Sports Cup semi-final spot at Motherwell in the midweek and now travel to the capital to face an injury hit Jambos side looking ...

Liel Abada's double and strikes from Reo Hatate and [Kyogo Furuhashi](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/kyogo-furuhashi) ended the Steelmen's run at the last eight stage with the Hoops advancing to face Kilmarnock with a spot in the final up for grabs. The capital club are going through an injury crisis as they continue to juggle domestic and European matters with key players such as Craig Halkett, Kye Rowles and Liam Boyce all on the sidelines at present. Here's all the information you need for the Tynecastle battle. Last week's hat-trick hero James Forrest and double scorer Giorgos Giakoumakis had to settle for a place on the bench midweek and will be desperate to feature from the start at Tynecastle. [Glasgow Live Sport ](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/)on Twitter. [- Ange Postecoglou's powerful Celtic title speech surfaces as Josip Juranovic quip lands death stare](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/ange-postecoglous-powerful-celtic-title-25280336) [- Celtic hero Scott Brown in 'waste of time' Fleetwood Town verdict as he slams first half display](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/celtic-hero-scott-brown-waste-25280027) [- Celtic's Albian Ajeti on target in Sturm Graz five-goal thriller to set up huge RB Salzburg clash](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/celtics-albian-ajeti-target-sturm-25281551) [- Brendan Rodgers faces fresh Leicester inquest as former Celtic boss has fans chant for his exit](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/brendan-rodgers-faces-fresh-leicester-25277785) [- Celtic flop Vasilis Barkas suffers PSV nightmare with Utrecht as loan side hit for six](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/celtic-flop-vasilis-barkas-suffers-25278990) [Hearts](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/hearts-fc) sit seventh in the league going into this one but trail third spot and Edinburgh rivals Hibs by just three points as they bid to upset [Celtic](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/celtic-fc) and kick start their season with a run of form pre-World Cup. [Ange Postecoglou's](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/all-about/ange-postecoglou) holders make light work of their Premiership rivals as they [ran out 4-0 winners at Fir Park](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/celtic-player-ratings-v-motherwell-25306197) to secure a return to Hampden and spot in the semi-finals. You can keep up to date with the scoreline and all the latest news by following The match takes place at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh on October 22 with a 12.30pm kick-off. The match will be shown on Sky Sports Football. The big games keep on coming for Celtic as they move on from their Premier Sports Cup win on the road at Motherwell to face Hearts this weekend.

As a 6 year-old living just outside Bournemouth, I used to go to the house of my dear friend and neighbour, Pete Duffy, with my Dad to watch the games. Pete ...

As the stand emptied, hundreds of Celtic fans, one wearing the yellow away shirt from that season with a tri-colour wig and hooped sunglasses, walked up towards the Celtic end to join in with the singing. Since Liverpool, I had been to Munich, Athens and Leipzig for European away defeats, with the company of pals. I’ve since gone on to write several Celtic books, Our Stories & Our Songs: The Celtic Support and Take Me To Your Paradise: A history of Celtic-related incidents & events. YESSSSSS!” This time there was no muting the celebrations as I was wrapped in a tri-colour, bearing the words Poole CSC and launched into the air. As a 6 year-old living just outside Bournemouth, I used to go to the house of my dear friend and neighbour, Pete Duffy, with my Dad to watch the games. I can’t recall John Hartson hitting the crossbar in the opening stages, which I have since seen back on the highlights; but I do vividly remember Larsson volleying a cross to Hartson just infront of me, as well as Rab Douglas saving a shot from Steven Gerrard early on. The only other football match I had attended was a Bournemouth v Tottenham friendly at Dean Court, where the stadium is surrounded by playing fields and is away from any roads. I rushed into school the next day with a letter to notify the teacher that I wouldn’t be coming in on 19, 20 or 21 March due to ‘a one off opportunity’. I counted down the days until our six hour journey up to my Uncle’s house on the 19th. Despite this background and introduction to Celtic, my initial experience of what it truly means came to fruition on this day in 2003. I am told that my affinity with Celtic Football Club really began at the age of four. I had been dressed in a Hoops kit at birth and laid in the centre of an Irish tri-colour.

Jambos are looking to halt a run of five games without a win when the champions visit Tynecastle.

He has done well for us, he has the World Cup coming up and we want to get him fit for that.” Once we get the players back we will get that consistency back.” We have had to chop and change things through injuries, that adds to what is happening. “The objective was to be in third position when we got to the World Cup break. Our job is to make sure we have a good season, get into Europe and then have another good season. “At Kilmarnock we could have been two or three up, against Aberdeen it was the same before they scored. We’ve probably not picked up the results we wanted but we are still in that area and contention to be there.” Our players have to believe they can challenge and be better than these players on the day. “Tynecastle with a full house, bright sunshine, it’s an opportunity to go there and show what we can do. “Our objective is to get as close as we can. And he hopes to end a five-game winless run by shocking Ange Postecoglou’s side on the park - even if they can’t live with them in the financial stakes. But a punishing schedule of domestic and European fixtures has seen them backfire this time round with 11 first team players currently in the treatment room while they have slipped 13 points off leaders Celtic after 10 games.

During Postecoglou's time at the club, the Hoops have been able to discover stars like Jota, Kyogo, Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Giorgos Giakoumakis, ...

His current deal is believed to be run till the end of 2023. The youngster is said to be enjoying himself at Maccabi Tel Aviv and is in “no rush to run abroad” despite being on Celtic’s radar. But the Hoops’ hopes of signing him seem to have been handed a blow.

Hearts Manager Robbie Nelson earlier today previewed the match on Saturday when the high-flying Scottish Champions Celtic are the visitors to Tynecastle and ...

I expect them to be very expansive and we have to try and find areas to pick them off.” “This is the first full week we’ve had to prepare for a game. We know there’s real quality, not just within the first eleven, but the whole group,” the Hearts boss said to Sky Sports.

Player turned pundit Tam McManus believes Celtic's biggest acquisition under Ange Postecoglou is Liel Abada and the Israeli will fetch Celtic a significant ...

There is the potential to break our transfer record over the next couple of years. [Jota](https://celtsarehere.com/filipe-jota/) might have something to say about that. Celtic fans aren’t daft, they know players will eventually move on and look to take the next step in their career.

Consider this a friendly reminder that this evening's Celtic vs Motherwell match kicks off at 6:15pm, far earlier than the more traditional 7:45pm or 8pm ...

We have been reassured that the circumstances surrounding this particular scheduling are extremely rare and unlikely to happen again.” We asked the broadcaster to consider having the two live matches, scheduled for that day, run simultaneously on different channels. Should it go to extra time, there will be a scheduling conflict, meaning that coverage of the Celtic match against the Steelmen will be moved to the Free Sports channel.

Celtic seem to have well and truly returned to their goalscoring ways. After putting six past Hibernian at the weekend, they scored four times against ...

On the other hand, while he has started twice in the Champions League, on neither occasion did he last past the break. He just has that natural instinct of a striker despite being a winger. Abada deserves particular praise for his performance on the day.

Holders Celtic cruised through to the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup and a meeting with Kilmarnock after Liel Abada's double helped them past ...

Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. - Shots - 5Mugabi - 2O'Donnell - 17McKinstry - 24Penney - 4Lamie - 16McGinn - 1Kelly But overall, really pleased." Unfortunately again we've conceded a couple of really poor goals." Motherwell boss Steven Hammell: "It's a tough one.

Celtic have been drawn against Kilmarnock in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup. After the game at Ibrox tonight, Kenny Miller pulled the holders out of ...

The games will be played on the weekend of 14th/15th January at Hampden. Meanwhile, Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen beat Ian McCall’s Partick Thistle 4-1 at Pittodrie to seal their place in the draw with Killie completing the semi finalists. Celtic sealed their place in the draw with an impressive 4-0 win at Fir Park.

Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have all brought a new dimension to Celtic under Ange Postecoglou... now they are hoping to cause a World Cup shock ...

At the outset of the last World Cup, it is doubtful many in the Japan national set up had even heard of Hatate, he now will head to Qatar having held his own for 60 minutes against Real Madrid's midfield containing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. In the past, they had been known for waiting until the end of the window to move. In terms of stardom and likely players to light up the World Cup, Kyogo seems the likeliest candidate. Addressing calls for him to be dropped, his club manager told the media: 'He does put in an enormous work-rate. Similarly to his two Celtic team-mates, Hatate's path to football has not been a smooth one. 1-0 down to an early second half Hibernian goal, Kyogo scored twice to win the trophy for Celtic and give Postecoglou an early taste of success at the club. Maeda's story to professional football, like Kyogo, is one of toil and hard work with plenty of setbacks. His run to peel off the Hibs defender and slot home calmly when chaos seemingly reigned all around him with Celtic 1-0 down showed a temperament key to any top level striker's game. In my final year at university, I had trials at different teams but I couldn’t find a team,' he revealed in an interview in the summer. How the squad sizes increasing to 26 from 23 changes that remains to seen. Four goals in six matches after the split reminded Celtic of what they had missed. 'It’s a bit lazy for us all to say, I’ve just brought in four Japanese.

Celtic are in the draw for the League Cup semi-finals following victory at Motherwell.

Motherwell had the first chance of the first half but Seigrist, who was brought in for his first start of the season, managed to make a finger tipped save from Penney’s shot to force the corner. They must have felt they should have taken the lead when the ball fell to Stuart McKinstry in the box following a lapse in concentration from Moritz Jenz, but the Motherwell winger blasted his shot over the bar. The first real chance of the game fell to Kyogo, but his effort smashed off the underside of the crossbar and bounced on the goal line and back out to Abada who was unable to get enough power on his header to get his past Kelly.

Two predatory goals from Liel Abada, a brilliant third from Reo Hatate and a Kyogo tap-in gave the League Cup holders easy passage into the semi-finals of this ...

Kyogo was on hand though to tap home his first goal in eight games since scoring against this same opponent back at the start of the month. The midfielder had other ideas, rolling the sole of his right foot over the ball to shift it and instantly passing it home with his left. A poor header from Paul McGinn in his own area gifted the ball to Taylor, and suddenly a one-two with Haksabanovic released the left-back in on Kelly. They almost came undone as a brilliant reverse pass from Kyogo put Abada in down the right, but he overcooked the cross and Sead Haksabanovic’s retrieval at the back stick only led to a blocked shot. Abada picked up the loose ball and suddenly Celtic had numbers haring forward. The visitors also gave away a couple of opportunities in that first half with some errant passing at the back, as they are also prone to do from time to time, but Motherwell were toothless.

Hampden beckons once again for Celtic after this comfortable 4-0 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park in the Premier Sports Cup.

This was another stark illustration of how much better this team is than the rest in Scotland right now. Celtic have assembled a squad to give them the best possible chance of coping with three games in a week. [James Forrest](/topic/james-forrest), the hat-trick hero against Hibs, might have felt slightly aggrieved to lose his place but Liel Abada came in and scored twice, taking his goal tally to eight for the campaign. On 60 minutes, Abada found Hatate in the six-yard box and he showed nimbleness to move the ball from right foot to left, flummoxing Kelly and making it 3-0. [Celtic](/topic/celtic) are in the midst of a manic October – nine games across three competitions – and in such intense periods, mental and physical stamina is given the ultimate test. This was an excellent follow-up to their [6-1 Premiership evisceration of Hibs at the weekend](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/emphatic-celtic-respond-to-critics-by-thrashing-hibs-as-club-legend-james-forrest-hits-100-goal-mark-3881312), maintaining their ambition of successfully defending the trophy they won last December.

It has been confirmed Celtic will play Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden after a late-night draw on Wednesday.

“All competitions mean a lot and when you’re at this football club you quickly learn that irrespective the expectations are the same. Once we got that it settled us a bit and the second-half was really good. They tried to stop us from playing our football but we were clean with our passing and probably should have put the game to be earlier but I’m still pleased overall.

The Japanese forward missed an early sitter against Motherwell but capped his night with the Hoops' fourth goal.

Abada notched his and Celtic's second before [Reo Hatate](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/reo-hatate) showed soft feet to seal the win with a third. [Liel Abada](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/liel-abada) was the man on the spot to fire them into a half-time lead. But whether he scores or not doesn't alter how his manager thinks he's performing and Postecoglou admitted he's always confident the goals will come for his number eight. Joe’s been outstanding for us, but Benji works hard every day in training, along with Bainy and young Toby. [Kyogo](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/kyogo-furuhashi) was one of several who saw good ones go abegging against RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Kyogo missed an early sitter before crashing a long-range effort off the bar.

It's all eyes on Fir Park as Motherwell look to derail Ange Postecoglou's bid to keep the Premier Sports Cup in the Celtic trophy cabinet.

He's been lively since he came off the bench, and looked to take on Lamie to get a clear run at Kelly's goal. Juranovic tries a shot and it's palmed into Abada's path for the tap-in. He picks out Abada, who is unmarked on the right wing. The Scottish champions were in cruise control and Hatate took a moment to show off as he netted a third. Liam Kelly was left alone to fend off the Celtic attack, but would eventually palm the ball to the feet of Abada in the second period. I thought the guys that came in tonight were good at that, and provided the general energy and drive we need. We've still got seven games to go in this stretch before the break. He insists that is a key part of his philosophy this term to push for every piece of silverware. Penney robs Celtic of the ball and drives into the box, and his low drive brings a fingertip save out of Siegrist who pushes the ball out for a corner. O'Riley brings a low drive out of the keeper, before Mooy forces a clearance from the stopper as he pings the ball low into the box. It could have been more with Kyogo racking up several good chances in Lanarkshire. There is just no way we can do that with just 11 or 12 players, especially with the way we want to play.

Celtic players celebrate victory after the Premier Sports Cup quarter final win at Fir Park, Motherwell.: Wednesday October 19, 2022. Photo Jane Barlow.

I understand that is because a neighbour in 1962 objected to the stand blocking out the sun from his garden or something like that. But if the team continues to play like this with its crisp accurate passing, there is little to be feared from anyone. On the other hand he seems to revel in crosses on the ground, so perhaps better to keep the high crosses for when Giakoumakis is the striker.

In Japanese. Thankfully, our big Dutch keeper had seen the movie version with Daniel Day-Lewis and was between the sticks in time. GREGGS THE BAKER – 8/10 – ...

OVERALL – 8/10 – Credit to Motherwell here – that pitch is spectacular; if all SPL sides were forced/fincanced to produce such a fine playing surface the Scottish game would advance no end and the broadcasting product be much more viable. Just believe in Angeball and the job – more often than not – gets done. HACKY SACK – 6/10 – A strange outing for the bearded mercury on the wing – well involved first-half and linked with Taylor to eventually eek out the breakthrough. With Big Ange, as we’ll see in the DVD release – aye, Santa, that’ll do nicely – it’s about respect and quiet dedication to the architecture of Angeball; a promise that faith begets triumph and all you need do is express the commitment, controlled intensity, effort and belief. Right in front of the travelling circus – what a perfect way to break a drought. Well, a sleekit runt, basically, who ultimately failed to condescend his way through the wiles of players like Moussa and Erik who acquired his disingenuous bluffs with instinctive distaste. Fired about the park like a keen wolfhound in a sheep pen. MOOEY – 7/10 – Halloween Broony strikes again – following up Saturday’s Trainspotters detoxing with a solid and consistent smelting of the Steelmen. GET CARTER – 7.5/10 – “Bottled-it!” gains a new definition entry in the Visual Urban Dictionary tonight with a clip of Motherwell playmaking agitator and pseudo-punk, Goss, crimping up like a puffball in the face of a rampaging CCV. May not posses the quick feet and incisive passing of his cohorts, but he can pick a Hollywood ball rather well – Eddie T take note – and does a fine job of covering and break-up play; Epitomised by taking one in the face that resulted in our first goal. BIG MERCEDES – 6/10 – Slack Alice for much of the opening spell as headers went wayward and so did his concentration, all but gifting them a lead; let off the hook by skelly goofball who blasted over. To be fair, ye can hardly blame the boy; meet the 50-50 and die in screaming agony, or skip like Ryan Kent in a pinafore holding a flower between his teeth, going through a sunny meadow.

We pick out three observations and give players a mark out of ten after Celtic's 4-0 Premier Sports Cup triumph over Motherwell ...

Postecoglou has at least two players for every position and it is more than able enough to win the cinch Premiership in its current state. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that the already heavily-courted O’Riley will continue to attract suitors as the January window approaches. Celtic’s Matt O’Riley put in another distinguished performance at the base of midfield.

KYOGO FURUHASHI scored just his second goal since his first-half hat-trick against Dundee United in August when he snapped up Celtic's fourth strike in the ...

“Look, I think there is a general sort of respect among the boys. “You are trying to tell them they haven’t lost any of the ability they have and I’ve still been pleased with his general play. He‘s causing problems for the opposition.” He’s still been a contributor.” Those are the fine margins for strikers. ON THE CREST OF A WAVE…Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates his goal in front of the Celtic fans.