First of all, let’s talk about Celtic’s pre season game against Cardiff City. In a game I would have expected at least a draw, the Bhoys were on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat to return from the Algarve without winning a game. In fact, the only victory of pre-season so far was against Southampton in a testimonial match. Hardly ideal preparation, but I’m not despondent yet. If I start getting miserable in pre-season, I dread to think what I would be like when the real stuff starts.

Anyway, the game against Cardiff. Although Celtic looked solid enough throughout, it was the lack of fire power up front that was most worrying. There was nothing happening up top – no cutting edge. Georgios Samaras worked hard but there was no end product. This is what worries me more than the defeat as the performance always takes priorty over results in the build up to the new season. Having said that, I don’t want Celtic to develop a losing mentality so overall the game against Cardiff was rather disappointing. No performance. No Result.

The goal that cost Celtic the game came in the 17th minute. Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson headed the ball into the path of Jo Ledley who smashed the ball past Mark Brown. I didn’t think this would be the winning goal at the time as I was hopeful Celtic would create plenty and eventually grab themselves a goal. It wasn’t to be though. Samaras was wasteful in front of goal and the closest Celtic came was through a long range effort from the in-form Barry Robson. It wasn’t a good day at the office for anyone to be honest.

Despite the pre-season inconsistency, if I was to bet on the Scottish Premier League , I would still back Celtic. Agreeing with these sentiments is Aiden McGeady who played a big part in last years title win. The winger says that Celtic can benefit from Rangers’ involvement in Champions League qualifiers. He says that having fewer games at the start of the season could mean that Celtic will create an early lead at the top of the SPL. This makes sense, but everyone knows that Rangers blow it at the end of the season not the beginning!

Finally for today, there are various reports suggesting that Derek Riordan could be on his way out of Celtic Park. His destination? Hearts. Having played for their fierce rivals Hibs before joining Celtic, Hearts are set to make an offer in excess of £500,000 for the striker. In my mind, he may as well go. He was expected to perform miracles for Celtic, but instead it has been a classic case of a player not settling at a club. If he does go, I would place a lot of my football betting money on him scoring at Celtic Park upon his return though, I will say that!

Next time I will be reviewing the next two pre-season games against Tottenham and Feyenoord. Let’s hope the Bhoys can get back to winning ways.

Thomas Rooney – Freelance Sports Journalist