The Price of Progress
After the excitement of the 1st leg of Celtc v LASK Champions League play-off, the doldrums have set in as I eagerly await the next opportunity to see our team in action. Today’s encounter with St. Johnstone was postponed as Celtic utilised the option that now exists for Scottish clubs at this stage of European competition. We weren’t the only club to take advantage. Although it’s a disappointment not to get the chance to see the Bhoys in Green in action this weekend, it’s probably only to our benefit at the half-way stage of this tricky UEFA tie.
The news that Alistair Johnston may be out for a prolonged spell only serves to underline the risks of injury and, as potent as our new strike force has been so far, defensively we look vulnerable. His absence only magnifies our weakness and I hope for his sake more than anything that it isn’t as serious as the recent hamstring injuries he’s endured which blighted last season. I also hope that there isn’t something being missed by the doctors, physios, coaches and sports scientists at Celtic Park because to have one bad injury often goes with the territory. A second within a short timeframe could be considered very unfortunate, but three within a calendar year is borderline neglect. I won’t need to remind anyone that Johnston was not the only victim of hamstring injuries in the season just gone.
I was so relishing the prospect of Johnston linking up with Hassan on one wing and Tierney with Jota on the other – that may yet happen at some stage before the turn of the year – fingers crossed. How would that look when you have Nygren, Durán and Høgh also in forward positions with Baur supplying them. Potentially someone like Mahmić also coming into midfield if rumours are to be believed. It’s mouth-watering indeed but we need players fit and healthy and ready-to-go.
I wondered then, as I wonder now, if players are being given all the support they need to properly condition themselves for the vigour of the modern game. Perhaps it’s just a cruel and unfortunate streak. Alistair Johnston strikes me as an exemplary professional and seems supremely fit. However, I wonder if there is something lacking at Celtic Park which leads to this constant stream of injuries that befall us. I don’t recall any strong challenge that led to Johnston’s replacement at half-time of the Kilmarnock match. I just remember thinking, ‘Where’s Johnston?’ as Killie scored. Then being bemused as I saw that young Donovan had not covered himself in glory. I wasn’t even aware of that half-time substitution but once I realised the change had been made I assumed it would be just a precaution or to protect him for the challenges ahead. It seems it was much more serious than that as Celtic now scramble to recruit a replacement.
Having said all that, I’m now relieved that we have this weekend break prior to our pivotal second-leg tie against the Austrian champions LASK on Tuesday. Another injury, particularly in defence, would significantly hamper our chances. We of course take a credible 3-0 advantage with us but the opposition were not shy about coming forward and I expect us to be under intense pressure from the outset. We need all players to be at least performing to the same level as they did in the first leg. Donovan was immense and I even would argue that he was our man of the match despite the wonder goals and all round display put in by everyone involved.
We’ve had some days to recover, had the debrief, bedded in the new signings even more and further built fitness levels. Three-nil is a tremendous position to be in. We need to be secure in that for the next one. No silly early goals, penalties or red cards please. Just be confident and assured in your ability and take us to where we belong.
