Celtic FC Thread
- Thread starter MH
- Start date
J
Inactive User
R.I.P joe ……
It's a laugh a day at the moment, and it's all free! :lol:
Wrong thread surfbum. :mod:
Sevco Scotland Ltd go the wire haggling over SFA membership
Charles Green’s stand-off with the Scottish Football Association will be taken right to the wire on Friday as they haggle over the terms and conditions which will be attached to their membership of the ruling body.
It’s understood that Green’s Sevco Scotland Ltd have deigned to accept a 12-month signing embargo from Sept 1 and a fine of £160,000 from the SFA but are still unwilling to “accept” any future punishments from the Scottish Premier League over Rangers’ alleged use of dual contracts.
Should Sevco Scotland Ltd be found guilty of improperly registering employees for over a decade, the fear - as expressed by manager Ally McCoist - is that Rangers will be punished by having all trophies and cups won during that period stripped from them.
One might argue that such an outcome would not, indeed, be a punishment at all but merely the automatic result of having found to have cheated opponents during the period in question by fielding players they would not otherwise have been able to afford.
The real punishment would follow. Take, for example, the case of disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson. He set a new world record of 9.79 seconds in winning the 100m at the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
However, the urine sample supplied by the Canadian afterwards contained traces of the steroid stanozolol.
Johnson, whose coach, Charles Francis, admitted that the athlete had been using performance-enhancing drugs since 1981, was stripped of his gold medal.
That, though, was a consequence of having cheated: the penalty handed down to Johnson by the International Amateur Athletics Federation was a two-year ban from all competition.
Green, like McCoist, does not wish to be similarly inconvenienced for any wrong-doing on the behalf of his predecessors.
The SPL, for their part, wish to be able to deliver a sanction in keeping with the seriousness of the charges which have been brought and their lawyers, Harper McLeod, have already stated that there is a “prima facie” case for Sevco Scotland Ltd to answer.
It is now 14 days since Sevco Scotland Ltd was allowed to join the Scottish Football League in the Third Division. The deadline for being granted the SFA membership which will allow them to play competitively this season expires at close of business on Friday.
Green, it might be argued, is merely doing what any chief executive would do in comparable circumstances: ie, negotiate the best deal for his company.
The problem for him is that the oldco whose membership he wishes to be transferred and whose history he is anxious to assume, have already been found guilty of many serious transgressions, from wilfully refusing to pay their taxes to leaving a trail of football debt across Europe.
On top of that, there are the verdicts pending in the dual registrations cases as well as the Top Tier Tax Tribunal’s investigation of the alleged misuse of Employee Benefit Trusts.
These issues, while linked, are not interchangeable and there is no reason why the SPL would need to wait for the HMRC findings before announcing their own.
Given that, the only bargaining chip Green has at his disposal is the potential size of Sevco Scotland Ltd support and their appeal to broadcasters. Even so, he will feel that he is right to take this particular Mexican stand-off right to the wire.
He will remember, after all, how Stewart Regan and Neil Doncaster, the chief executives of the SFA and SPL respectively, attempted to catapult Sevco Scotland Ltd into the First Division ahead of 20 other SFL clubs, only to have their scheme categorically rejected by the SFL members.
Consequently, it would be surprising if that embarrassing episode was not at the back of his mind during this Mexican stand-off. Green will see himself as Clint Eastwood to Regan and Doncaster’s Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef as the rest of Scottish football waits to see who will blink first.
The reputation of the national game has been tarnished by the events of the last five months at Ibrox and by the response to them from those in power at Hampden. There has been little credit to share between the participants: not so much the good, the bad and the ugly as unforgiven.
Prevarication has been the order of the day for the two ruling bodies and that unwillingness (or inability) to take control of the situation has made bad worse.
It is unfair on Brechin City, a club which needs money almost as badly as Sevco and one which has spent a significant (for them) sum on printing and distributing tickets and match programmes and selling corporate hospitality for their Alba Cup tie against Sevco Scotland Ltd, which may yet be cancelled less than 48 hours before kick-off time.
It is unfair on Dundee, who have still to receive their SPL membership from the Soon-to-liquidated Rangers oldco and who may, as a result, have to postpone the beginning of their league campaign.
It is unfair on Kilmarnock, who are due to host Dundee on Aug 4, because any switch to a midweek fixture would mean a smaller crowd and reduced revenue.
It is also unfair on Ian Black and Craig Beattie, players Sevco Scotland Ltd hope to sign on lucrative contracts and on whose behalf a press conference will be called on Friday, assuming membership is granted.
Most of all, it is unfair on the supporters throughout the country who will wonder - but surely not for long - whether their club would have been dealt with in such a fawning fashion if they had found themselves in a similar bind.
Rangers go to the wire haggling over SFA membership - Telegraph
Charles Green’s stand-off with the Scottish Football Association will be taken right to the wire on Friday as they haggle over the terms and conditions which will be attached to their membership of the ruling body.
It’s understood that Green’s Sevco Scotland Ltd have deigned to accept a 12-month signing embargo from Sept 1 and a fine of £160,000 from the SFA but are still unwilling to “accept” any future punishments from the Scottish Premier League over Rangers’ alleged use of dual contracts.
Should Sevco Scotland Ltd be found guilty of improperly registering employees for over a decade, the fear - as expressed by manager Ally McCoist - is that Rangers will be punished by having all trophies and cups won during that period stripped from them.
One might argue that such an outcome would not, indeed, be a punishment at all but merely the automatic result of having found to have cheated opponents during the period in question by fielding players they would not otherwise have been able to afford.
The real punishment would follow. Take, for example, the case of disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson. He set a new world record of 9.79 seconds in winning the 100m at the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
However, the urine sample supplied by the Canadian afterwards contained traces of the steroid stanozolol.
Johnson, whose coach, Charles Francis, admitted that the athlete had been using performance-enhancing drugs since 1981, was stripped of his gold medal.
That, though, was a consequence of having cheated: the penalty handed down to Johnson by the International Amateur Athletics Federation was a two-year ban from all competition.
Green, like McCoist, does not wish to be similarly inconvenienced for any wrong-doing on the behalf of his predecessors.
The SPL, for their part, wish to be able to deliver a sanction in keeping with the seriousness of the charges which have been brought and their lawyers, Harper McLeod, have already stated that there is a “prima facie” case for Sevco Scotland Ltd to answer.
It is now 14 days since Sevco Scotland Ltd was allowed to join the Scottish Football League in the Third Division. The deadline for being granted the SFA membership which will allow them to play competitively this season expires at close of business on Friday.
Green, it might be argued, is merely doing what any chief executive would do in comparable circumstances: ie, negotiate the best deal for his company.
The problem for him is that the oldco whose membership he wishes to be transferred and whose history he is anxious to assume, have already been found guilty of many serious transgressions, from wilfully refusing to pay their taxes to leaving a trail of football debt across Europe.
On top of that, there are the verdicts pending in the dual registrations cases as well as the Top Tier Tax Tribunal’s investigation of the alleged misuse of Employee Benefit Trusts.
These issues, while linked, are not interchangeable and there is no reason why the SPL would need to wait for the HMRC findings before announcing their own.
Given that, the only bargaining chip Green has at his disposal is the potential size of Sevco Scotland Ltd support and their appeal to broadcasters. Even so, he will feel that he is right to take this particular Mexican stand-off right to the wire.
He will remember, after all, how Stewart Regan and Neil Doncaster, the chief executives of the SFA and SPL respectively, attempted to catapult Sevco Scotland Ltd into the First Division ahead of 20 other SFL clubs, only to have their scheme categorically rejected by the SFL members.
Consequently, it would be surprising if that embarrassing episode was not at the back of his mind during this Mexican stand-off. Green will see himself as Clint Eastwood to Regan and Doncaster’s Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef as the rest of Scottish football waits to see who will blink first.
The reputation of the national game has been tarnished by the events of the last five months at Ibrox and by the response to them from those in power at Hampden. There has been little credit to share between the participants: not so much the good, the bad and the ugly as unforgiven.
Prevarication has been the order of the day for the two ruling bodies and that unwillingness (or inability) to take control of the situation has made bad worse.
It is unfair on Brechin City, a club which needs money almost as badly as Sevco and one which has spent a significant (for them) sum on printing and distributing tickets and match programmes and selling corporate hospitality for their Alba Cup tie against Sevco Scotland Ltd, which may yet be cancelled less than 48 hours before kick-off time.
It is unfair on Dundee, who have still to receive their SPL membership from the Soon-to-liquidated Rangers oldco and who may, as a result, have to postpone the beginning of their league campaign.
It is unfair on Kilmarnock, who are due to host Dundee on Aug 4, because any switch to a midweek fixture would mean a smaller crowd and reduced revenue.
It is also unfair on Ian Black and Craig Beattie, players Sevco Scotland Ltd hope to sign on lucrative contracts and on whose behalf a press conference will be called on Friday, assuming membership is granted.
Most of all, it is unfair on the supporters throughout the country who will wonder - but surely not for long - whether their club would have been dealt with in such a fawning fashion if they had found themselves in a similar bind.
Rangers go to the wire haggling over SFA membership - Telegraph
Last edited by a moderator:
portbhoy
Inactive User
Cetlic recovered from the loss of an away goal to take a first-leg lead against HJK Helsinki in Champions League qualifying round three.
Gary Hooper, James Forrest and Joe Ledley all had chances as the hosts started brightly.
But it was HJK's Rasmus Schuller who broke the deadlock with a close range volley just after half-time.
Hooper equalised with a tap-in before Charlie Mulgrew headed Celtic ahead in the tie.
Neil Lennon's men take on the Finns in next Wednesday's second leg at the Sonera Stadium.
The home crowd were buoyed by Celtic fan Michael Jamieson's Olympic silver medal success at London 2012, with the swimmer's 200m breaststroke final shown on large screens in the run-up to kick-off.
Schuller's goal stunned the home crowd
The Scottish Premier League champions threatened from the off with Georgios Samaras heading a long ball onto Hooper only for the angle to get the better of the striker.
Samaras was prominent again with a cross towards James Forrest, who headed wide before indicating his displeasure at Mikko Sumusalo's aerial challenge in the six-yard box.
Hooper and Kris Commons failed to connect properly with Forrest's cutback and Ledley flashed a shot wide from the loose ball before testing goalkeeper Ville Wallen with a controlled volley moments later.
HJK weathered the storm and Joel Perovuo forced Celtic keeper Fraser Forster into a save with a low 25-yard drive.
And the Finns dealt a blow to Celtic's hopes when a neat passing move put Schuller through on goal shortly after the break.
Play media
The midfielder's first effort was blocked by Forster but ricocheted back to Schuller off Victor Wanyama and the resulting left-foot volley found the net.
Celtic responded with Commons' powerful drive striking the post and rebounding out for a corner off the head of Wallen.
But the leveller did come when Samaras' low centre set up Hooper to finish.
The hosts were galvanised and Mulgrew's downward header from Commons' corner edged them ahead.
The two players involved in that second goal came close with shots as HJK came under continued pressure and Forrest collided with team-mate Hooper as he tried to get into a scoring position off substitute Anthony Stokes' pass.
Scott Brown was then denied by Wallen and Lennon introduced skilful winger Paddy McCourt in an attempt to force a third.
But HJK held firm against the late rally and the Finnish champions know a 1-0 next week in Helsinki will take them through to the play-off round.
BBC Sport - Celtic 2-1 HJK Helsinki
Gary Hooper, James Forrest and Joe Ledley all had chances as the hosts started brightly.
But it was HJK's Rasmus Schuller who broke the deadlock with a close range volley just after half-time.
Hooper equalised with a tap-in before Charlie Mulgrew headed Celtic ahead in the tie.
Neil Lennon's men take on the Finns in next Wednesday's second leg at the Sonera Stadium.
The home crowd were buoyed by Celtic fan Michael Jamieson's Olympic silver medal success at London 2012, with the swimmer's 200m breaststroke final shown on large screens in the run-up to kick-off.
Schuller's goal stunned the home crowd
The Scottish Premier League champions threatened from the off with Georgios Samaras heading a long ball onto Hooper only for the angle to get the better of the striker.
Samaras was prominent again with a cross towards James Forrest, who headed wide before indicating his displeasure at Mikko Sumusalo's aerial challenge in the six-yard box.
Hooper and Kris Commons failed to connect properly with Forrest's cutback and Ledley flashed a shot wide from the loose ball before testing goalkeeper Ville Wallen with a controlled volley moments later.
HJK weathered the storm and Joel Perovuo forced Celtic keeper Fraser Forster into a save with a low 25-yard drive.
And the Finns dealt a blow to Celtic's hopes when a neat passing move put Schuller through on goal shortly after the break.
Play media
The midfielder's first effort was blocked by Forster but ricocheted back to Schuller off Victor Wanyama and the resulting left-foot volley found the net.
Celtic responded with Commons' powerful drive striking the post and rebounding out for a corner off the head of Wallen.
But the leveller did come when Samaras' low centre set up Hooper to finish.
The hosts were galvanised and Mulgrew's downward header from Commons' corner edged them ahead.
The two players involved in that second goal came close with shots as HJK came under continued pressure and Forrest collided with team-mate Hooper as he tried to get into a scoring position off substitute Anthony Stokes' pass.
Scott Brown was then denied by Wallen and Lennon introduced skilful winger Paddy McCourt in an attempt to force a third.
But HJK held firm against the late rally and the Finnish champions know a 1-0 next week in Helsinki will take them through to the play-off round.
BBC Sport - Celtic 2-1 HJK Helsinki
portbhoy
Inactive User
A howler from Jamie Langfield allowed Celtic to open the defence of their Scottish Premier League title with victory against Aberdeen.
The well organised Dons limited Celtic to few chances in each half but the visitors rarely threatened themselves.
Kris Commons was the hosts' most prominent threat, forcing two solid saves from Langfield.
But the goalkeeper then let Commons' trundling shot slip past him and Aberdeen could not recover.
Celtic marked last season's title win before kick-off
Celtic now turn their attention to Wednesday's Champions League qualifying return leg against HJK Helsinki, who trail 2-1 in the tie.
The unfurling of the league championship flag preceded the start of the match and both sides took their time to get into full stride after the action had got underway.
Georgios Samaras, captaining Celtic in the absence of Scott Brown and usual deputy Charlie Mulgrew, required treatment and a change of shirt after Ryan Jack's elevated foot gave the Greek a cut lip.
The first chance of any note came when Commons' fierce drive was beaten away by Langfield.
Samaras began to find some space cutting in from the left and his curling shot swept wide of target.
Experienced Dons duo Gavin Rae and Russell Anderson were marshalling central areas and frustrating the hosts but Craig Brown's side did not make the most of their possession in attacking areas.
Last term's SPL top scorer Gary Hooper lifted a shot over Langfield's goal and Commons' shot was blocked by Andrew Considine as the impasse continued until half-time.
Aberdeen posed more of a threat just after the break with Celtic struggling to deal with debutant Jonny Hayes' deliveries.
The former Inverness winger's free-kick deflected awkwardly out for a corner and Hayes' next inswinger was palmed away by Fraser Forster to Scott Vernon, who could not direct his shot on target.
Play media
Victor Wanyama was pushed up into Celtic's midfield after Samaras was replaced by Kelvin Wilson and the Kenyan flashed a volley well wide as the home crowd's frustration became all the more audible.
Commons was more accurate with his next shot, Langfield diving low to his left to punch away another powerful strike.
For all of Aberdeen's endeavour, Vernon's increasing isolation up front made breakaways difficult.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon looked for fresh impetus and sent on Paddy McCourt and Daryl Murphy for Beram Kayal and Anthony Stokes.
Play media
But it was a mistake that gave Celtic their breakthrough after Commons had played a corner short to Adam Matthews.
The winger received Matthews' return pass and fired in a low shot that should have been comfortably saved by Langfield but the keeper was slow to react and soon looked distraught as Celtic celebrated.
However, Aberdeen can take heart from their stubborn performance, which served to remind title favourites Celtic this season may not be as straight-forward as many have predicted.
BBC Sport - Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen
The well organised Dons limited Celtic to few chances in each half but the visitors rarely threatened themselves.
Kris Commons was the hosts' most prominent threat, forcing two solid saves from Langfield.
But the goalkeeper then let Commons' trundling shot slip past him and Aberdeen could not recover.
Celtic marked last season's title win before kick-off
Celtic now turn their attention to Wednesday's Champions League qualifying return leg against HJK Helsinki, who trail 2-1 in the tie.
The unfurling of the league championship flag preceded the start of the match and both sides took their time to get into full stride after the action had got underway.
Georgios Samaras, captaining Celtic in the absence of Scott Brown and usual deputy Charlie Mulgrew, required treatment and a change of shirt after Ryan Jack's elevated foot gave the Greek a cut lip.
The first chance of any note came when Commons' fierce drive was beaten away by Langfield.
Samaras began to find some space cutting in from the left and his curling shot swept wide of target.
Experienced Dons duo Gavin Rae and Russell Anderson were marshalling central areas and frustrating the hosts but Craig Brown's side did not make the most of their possession in attacking areas.
Last term's SPL top scorer Gary Hooper lifted a shot over Langfield's goal and Commons' shot was blocked by Andrew Considine as the impasse continued until half-time.
Aberdeen posed more of a threat just after the break with Celtic struggling to deal with debutant Jonny Hayes' deliveries.
The former Inverness winger's free-kick deflected awkwardly out for a corner and Hayes' next inswinger was palmed away by Fraser Forster to Scott Vernon, who could not direct his shot on target.
Play media
Victor Wanyama was pushed up into Celtic's midfield after Samaras was replaced by Kelvin Wilson and the Kenyan flashed a volley well wide as the home crowd's frustration became all the more audible.
Commons was more accurate with his next shot, Langfield diving low to his left to punch away another powerful strike.
For all of Aberdeen's endeavour, Vernon's increasing isolation up front made breakaways difficult.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon looked for fresh impetus and sent on Paddy McCourt and Daryl Murphy for Beram Kayal and Anthony Stokes.
Play media
But it was a mistake that gave Celtic their breakthrough after Commons had played a corner short to Adam Matthews.
The winger received Matthews' return pass and fired in a low shot that should have been comfortably saved by Langfield but the keeper was slow to react and soon looked distraught as Celtic celebrated.
However, Aberdeen can take heart from their stubborn performance, which served to remind title favourites Celtic this season may not be as straight-forward as many have predicted.
BBC Sport - Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen
portbhoy
Inactive User
HOOPS boss Neil Lennon admits his side’s make-or-break clashes for a £12million Champions League bonanza have been gnawing away at him for 10 weeks.
Since Celtic claimed the SPL title in May, securing qualification for the glamour club contest has been at the forefront of the gaffer’s mind.
His men did the business with a 2-1 win at home against Helsinki in midweek to move a vital step closer to Champions League riches.
But Celtic now face a tricky away tie to make it through to the play-off round and Lennon has revealed the fear of failure is preying on his mind.
He said: “It is a huge game and qualification for the group stages has been at the forefront of my mind since the end of May.
“A lot is resting on what happens on Wednesday – for me personally, to take the team on, and the players to enhance the season for themselves.”
Lennon expects his team to see off HJK but knows they are no mugs. He said: “We’ll possibly have to score. They are a good side at home and will be more attack-minded.
“They changed their system at Parkhead but will go back to how they normally play – a 4-4-2 or with just one off the striker.
“Their wide men come in to make it narrow and they try to get their width from their full-backs.
“This game is not straightforward. They have beaten Schalke at home.
“And then there’s our away record – we are unpredictable away from home. But the our players have had a good look at them.
“We did create a lot of chances. If he had been a bit sharper in front of goal we could have won by more.
“But we have a one-goal lead that gives us something to hold on to.”
Lennon says his men will train on the artificial pitch and try to get used to the speed of the surface.
He said: “The surface is making me think about how we approach the game tactically.
“Thomas Rogne may have been a concern – but he has played on plastic many times in Norway. Scott Brown has a hip problem so we’ll see how he is for Wednesday.
“But this is one-off game. I can’t let that affect my thinking too much.
“Last season we had good results in Rennes and Udinese. We’ll need to play as well as that, if not better, but we’re capable of doing it.”
Neil Lennon feeling Champions League pressure - Daily Record
Since Celtic claimed the SPL title in May, securing qualification for the glamour club contest has been at the forefront of the gaffer’s mind.
His men did the business with a 2-1 win at home against Helsinki in midweek to move a vital step closer to Champions League riches.
But Celtic now face a tricky away tie to make it through to the play-off round and Lennon has revealed the fear of failure is preying on his mind.
He said: “It is a huge game and qualification for the group stages has been at the forefront of my mind since the end of May.
“A lot is resting on what happens on Wednesday – for me personally, to take the team on, and the players to enhance the season for themselves.”
Lennon expects his team to see off HJK but knows they are no mugs. He said: “We’ll possibly have to score. They are a good side at home and will be more attack-minded.
“They changed their system at Parkhead but will go back to how they normally play – a 4-4-2 or with just one off the striker.
“Their wide men come in to make it narrow and they try to get their width from their full-backs.
“This game is not straightforward. They have beaten Schalke at home.
“And then there’s our away record – we are unpredictable away from home. But the our players have had a good look at them.
“We did create a lot of chances. If he had been a bit sharper in front of goal we could have won by more.
“But we have a one-goal lead that gives us something to hold on to.”
Lennon says his men will train on the artificial pitch and try to get used to the speed of the surface.
He said: “The surface is making me think about how we approach the game tactically.
“Thomas Rogne may have been a concern – but he has played on plastic many times in Norway. Scott Brown has a hip problem so we’ll see how he is for Wednesday.
“But this is one-off game. I can’t let that affect my thinking too much.
“Last season we had good results in Rennes and Udinese. We’ll need to play as well as that, if not better, but we’re capable of doing it.”
Neil Lennon feeling Champions League pressure - Daily Record
portbhoy
Inactive User
Celtic completed an aggregate victory against HJK Helsinki to progress to the Champions League play-off round.
Scott Brown threatened as the visitors sought to cancel out HJK's away goal and the hosts' Sebastian Sorsa and Mathias Lindstrom had efforts saved.
Ledley chested the ball past Ville Wallen to give Celtic the lead on the night in the 68th minute.
A second booking meant a dismissal for Victor Wanyama but the 10 men added to their lead with Georgios Samaras' shot.
Neil Lennon's side will discover who they will face in the next round when the draw is made on Friday.
Ledley's goal gave Celtic a crucial breakthrough
Celtic captain Brown, a pre-match fitness doubt, beat the offside trap to latch on to Charlie Mulgrew's terrific lofted pass but goalkeeper Wallen was untested as the midfielder placed his shot wide.
The artificial surface seemed to be posing no problems for the Scottish champions and Samaras chested down another high ball before flashing a dipping volley past Wallen's left-hand post.
The Finns were struggling to carve out chances and Demba Savage failed to connect with Sorsa's cross in their best first-half attack.
But HJK pressed hard at the beginning of the second period and Sorsa's low drive from the edge of the box was turned out by Forster.
Kris Commons' curling free-kick was met by Wanyama and Celtic's claims of handball after the header had been blocked were turned down by Austrian referee Robert Schorgenhofer.
Play media
Lindstrom was unchallenged at Rasmus Schuller's corner and the defender nodded the ball into the ground only for Forster to awkwardly usher it out on the bounce.
The breakthrough arrived when Mulgrew found himself forward on the right in a Celtic break and his inswinging cross was forced past Wallen by the chest of Ledley.
But Celtic soon found themselves down to 10 men as Wanyama's foul on Mika Vayrynen resulted in a second yellow card and a suspension for the Kenyan.
It did not upset Celtic's rhythm though and Ledley's perseverance on the left was rewarded when Samaras collected the Welshman's cutback and placed a low shot into the net to confirm the Glasgow side's first away European win in three years.
Progress ensures Celtic will play group stage football this season with a parachute into the Europa League available if they lose their Champions League play-off.
BBC Sport - Champions League qualifying: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Celtic (agg 1-4)
Scott Brown threatened as the visitors sought to cancel out HJK's away goal and the hosts' Sebastian Sorsa and Mathias Lindstrom had efforts saved.
Ledley chested the ball past Ville Wallen to give Celtic the lead on the night in the 68th minute.
A second booking meant a dismissal for Victor Wanyama but the 10 men added to their lead with Georgios Samaras' shot.
Neil Lennon's side will discover who they will face in the next round when the draw is made on Friday.
Ledley's goal gave Celtic a crucial breakthrough
Celtic captain Brown, a pre-match fitness doubt, beat the offside trap to latch on to Charlie Mulgrew's terrific lofted pass but goalkeeper Wallen was untested as the midfielder placed his shot wide.
The artificial surface seemed to be posing no problems for the Scottish champions and Samaras chested down another high ball before flashing a dipping volley past Wallen's left-hand post.
The Finns were struggling to carve out chances and Demba Savage failed to connect with Sorsa's cross in their best first-half attack.
But HJK pressed hard at the beginning of the second period and Sorsa's low drive from the edge of the box was turned out by Forster.
Kris Commons' curling free-kick was met by Wanyama and Celtic's claims of handball after the header had been blocked were turned down by Austrian referee Robert Schorgenhofer.
Play media
Lindstrom was unchallenged at Rasmus Schuller's corner and the defender nodded the ball into the ground only for Forster to awkwardly usher it out on the bounce.
The breakthrough arrived when Mulgrew found himself forward on the right in a Celtic break and his inswinging cross was forced past Wallen by the chest of Ledley.
But Celtic soon found themselves down to 10 men as Wanyama's foul on Mika Vayrynen resulted in a second yellow card and a suspension for the Kenyan.
It did not upset Celtic's rhythm though and Ledley's perseverance on the left was rewarded when Samaras collected the Welshman's cutback and placed a low shot into the net to confirm the Glasgow side's first away European win in three years.
Progress ensures Celtic will play group stage football this season with a parachute into the Europa League available if they lose their Champions League play-off.
BBC Sport - Champions League qualifying: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Celtic (agg 1-4)
portbhoy
Inactive User
Neil Lennon revealed guaranteed European football until December may allow Celtic to expand their squad.
The 4-1 aggregate victory against HJK Helsinki secured Lennon's side a place in the Champions League play-off round.
And if Celtic do not reach the group stage of that tournament they will drop into a Europa League group.
Continue reading the main story
“
This was a huge hurdle for my own development
”
Neil Lennon
Celtic manager
"Now we've got a wee bit of European football we might be able to bring one or two in to augment what we've got already," said Lennon.
"We've lost a lot of players in the summer and there's a good nucleus."
Second-half goals by Joe Ledley and Georgios Samaras ensured a 2-0 second-leg win in Helsinki and Lennon was full of praise for his players after the club recorded their first away European win since 2009.
"That's one of the best feelings I've had since I've been here as manager," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"We've worked very, very hard trying to get this right and these are horrible games and I think they're very unfair on us Scottish teams because [it means] we start our season so early.
Play media
"To come through the tie and play as well as we did, I am so proud of the players. They were brilliant; really, really good.
"When you consider that Helsinki are 20 games into their season, it was a big, big performance.
"It'll give us all a huge shot of confidence. It's always been a bug bear, the away games in Europe."
The result also represented Lennon's first win over two legs as manager, with the draw for the next round taking place on Friday.
Celtic could be drawn to face Helsingborgs, Maribor, Hapoel Kityat Shmona, AEL Limassol or Cluj.
"This was a huge hurdle for my own development because I didn't get through Braga, Utrecht or Sion," he added.
"They're very, very difficult games and we fell a couple of times over the years but we've given ourselves a chance, that's all we have done."
BBC Sport - Celtic: Neil Lennon may sign new players after European progress
The 4-1 aggregate victory against HJK Helsinki secured Lennon's side a place in the Champions League play-off round.
And if Celtic do not reach the group stage of that tournament they will drop into a Europa League group.
Continue reading the main story
“
This was a huge hurdle for my own development
”
Neil Lennon
Celtic manager
"Now we've got a wee bit of European football we might be able to bring one or two in to augment what we've got already," said Lennon.
"We've lost a lot of players in the summer and there's a good nucleus."
Second-half goals by Joe Ledley and Georgios Samaras ensured a 2-0 second-leg win in Helsinki and Lennon was full of praise for his players after the club recorded their first away European win since 2009.
"That's one of the best feelings I've had since I've been here as manager," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"We've worked very, very hard trying to get this right and these are horrible games and I think they're very unfair on us Scottish teams because [it means] we start our season so early.
Play media
"To come through the tie and play as well as we did, I am so proud of the players. They were brilliant; really, really good.
"When you consider that Helsinki are 20 games into their season, it was a big, big performance.
"It'll give us all a huge shot of confidence. It's always been a bug bear, the away games in Europe."
The result also represented Lennon's first win over two legs as manager, with the draw for the next round taking place on Friday.
Celtic could be drawn to face Helsingborgs, Maribor, Hapoel Kityat Shmona, AEL Limassol or Cluj.
"This was a huge hurdle for my own development because I didn't get through Braga, Utrecht or Sion," he added.
"They're very, very difficult games and we fell a couple of times over the years but we've given ourselves a chance, that's all we have done."
BBC Sport - Celtic: Neil Lennon may sign new players after European progress
portbhoy
Inactive User
I almost peed a little today.
deedie
DW Regular
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 3,509
- Reaction score
- 236
yes, i thought it was hilarious. there goes the ambition of winning every game in the 3rd division. that little pipe dream didnt last long
it would be so funny if new club didnt get out of the 3rd division this season.
there history currently consists of 3 competitive games, and 2 of them they have struggled really badly in.
it would be so funny if new club didnt get out of the 3rd division this season.
there history currently consists of 3 competitive games, and 2 of them they have struggled really badly in.
portbhoy
Inactive User
Easyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, That's an Spl team not only not out of Europe but not out of the champions league!!!!! Kerchingggggggggggggg
Hail hail
:salute:
Hail hail
:salute:
portbhoy
Inactive User
Celtic blew Inverness away with a great performance, before late slackness cost them a more comprehensive win.
They were quickly out of the blocks as Victor Wanyama headed in from Adam Matthews' corner.
Tony Watt curled in the second and battered in the fourth, with a well-worked move allowing Charlie Mulgrew to slot past Ryan Esson in between.
Ross Draper fired in two late goals to take the edge off Neil Lennon's joy and perhaps Terry Butcher's ire.
Lennon's side had struggled in the Highlands against Ross County last week, but there was never any threat of a repeat.
The visiting manager had expressed a desire pre-match for his side to start the game well, and he got his wish as Gary Hooper nutmegged Simon King before firing in a fierce shot, which Esson did well to push away.
It was from the resultant corner that Wanyama leapt to head emphatically past Esson, though the marking was suspect.
Celtic's lead was almost doubled on seven minutes after a hefty Draper challenge was penalised and Mulgrew crashed the free kick off the top of the crossbar from 25 yards.
The home side had spent virtually the entire first quarter of an hour on the backfoot, but Aaron Doran served notice of their ability on the offensive, bringing out a decent save from Fraser Forster with a long-range drive.
But as Caley Thistle pressed for an equaliser, Celtic picked them off on the counter-attack.
Mulgrew cleared from his own goal-line, it was helped on by Emilio Izaguirre and Wanyama to Filip Twardzik, who threaded the ball through to Watt. The striker drifted past King and curled the ball coolly beyond Esson.
Terry Butcher was infuriated by the ease with which Celtic were able to play through his side, but they almost got a goal straight back as Doran's cutback found Andrew Shinnie inside the six-yard box, but the striker poked the chance wide.
Play media
Watt might feel he should have had a second goal seven minutes before the break.
Hooper played a beautiful pass into the path of Twardzik down the left channel and when the young Czech rolled the ball across goal, Watt looked certain to score, but the angle beat him and he found only the side-netting.
Butcher no doubt had some harsh words to say to his players at the interval, but they were rendered meaningless after just three minutes of the second half.
A free kick earned by Hooper on the left side of the penalty area was rolled by Matthews into the path of Mulgrew, who side-footed into the bottom right-hand corner of Esson's net.
Watt again came within inches of a second goal after getting the better of Esson, but though he missed out on that occasion, he didn't have to wait too long to notch Celtic's fourth, rifling in from eight yards after good play down the left by Izaguirre.
Celtic took their foot off the gas, perhaps feeling they had earned the right to do so, but they were punished.
Draper burst into the box with nine minutes remaining to beat Forster at his near post and four minutes later he latched on to Conor Pepper's chipped pass to beat Forster at the second attempt.
That late slackness aside, there was plenty to please the Celtic manager, while his Caley Thistle counterpart will look to address some of his team's defensive frailties.
BBC Sport - Inverness CT 2-4 Celtic
They were quickly out of the blocks as Victor Wanyama headed in from Adam Matthews' corner.
Tony Watt curled in the second and battered in the fourth, with a well-worked move allowing Charlie Mulgrew to slot past Ryan Esson in between.
Ross Draper fired in two late goals to take the edge off Neil Lennon's joy and perhaps Terry Butcher's ire.
Lennon's side had struggled in the Highlands against Ross County last week, but there was never any threat of a repeat.
The visiting manager had expressed a desire pre-match for his side to start the game well, and he got his wish as Gary Hooper nutmegged Simon King before firing in a fierce shot, which Esson did well to push away.
It was from the resultant corner that Wanyama leapt to head emphatically past Esson, though the marking was suspect.
Celtic's lead was almost doubled on seven minutes after a hefty Draper challenge was penalised and Mulgrew crashed the free kick off the top of the crossbar from 25 yards.
The home side had spent virtually the entire first quarter of an hour on the backfoot, but Aaron Doran served notice of their ability on the offensive, bringing out a decent save from Fraser Forster with a long-range drive.
But as Caley Thistle pressed for an equaliser, Celtic picked them off on the counter-attack.
Mulgrew cleared from his own goal-line, it was helped on by Emilio Izaguirre and Wanyama to Filip Twardzik, who threaded the ball through to Watt. The striker drifted past King and curled the ball coolly beyond Esson.
Terry Butcher was infuriated by the ease with which Celtic were able to play through his side, but they almost got a goal straight back as Doran's cutback found Andrew Shinnie inside the six-yard box, but the striker poked the chance wide.
Play media
Watt might feel he should have had a second goal seven minutes before the break.
Hooper played a beautiful pass into the path of Twardzik down the left channel and when the young Czech rolled the ball across goal, Watt looked certain to score, but the angle beat him and he found only the side-netting.
Butcher no doubt had some harsh words to say to his players at the interval, but they were rendered meaningless after just three minutes of the second half.
A free kick earned by Hooper on the left side of the penalty area was rolled by Matthews into the path of Mulgrew, who side-footed into the bottom right-hand corner of Esson's net.
Watt again came within inches of a second goal after getting the better of Esson, but though he missed out on that occasion, he didn't have to wait too long to notch Celtic's fourth, rifling in from eight yards after good play down the left by Izaguirre.
Celtic took their foot off the gas, perhaps feeling they had earned the right to do so, but they were punished.
Draper burst into the box with nine minutes remaining to beat Forster at his near post and four minutes later he latched on to Conor Pepper's chipped pass to beat Forster at the second attempt.
That late slackness aside, there was plenty to please the Celtic manager, while his Caley Thistle counterpart will look to address some of his team's defensive frailties.
BBC Sport - Inverness CT 2-4 Celtic
deedie
DW Regular
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 3,509
- Reaction score
- 236
The vote itself was a foregone conclusion, Stewart Regan saw to that by rallying support against Rangers and sensationally threatening to block any re-entry by refusing to grant a license.
Then came the shameless doom-mongering from both Stewart Regan and Neil Doncaster with claims of “social unrest” and a “slow and lingering death” of Scottish football as pressure was put on SFL chairmen to vote Rangers straight into Division 1. This culminated in a leaked email sent by Stewart Regan on the 23rd of June to a small number of football officials and lawyers.
^^^^^^This has to be one of the most paranoid statements, and biggest piece of nonsense that i have read on here in along time. Considering the sfa bent over backwards to try and get rangers back into the SPL. then when that failed they tried to get them into division 1.
Then came the shameless doom-mongering from both Stewart Regan and Neil Doncaster with claims of “social unrest” and a “slow and lingering death” of Scottish football as pressure was put on SFL chairmen to vote Rangers straight into Division 1. This culminated in a leaked email sent by Stewart Regan on the 23rd of June to a small number of football officials and lawyers.
^^^^^^This has to be one of the most paranoid statements, and biggest piece of nonsense that i have read on here in along time. Considering the sfa bent over backwards to try and get rangers back into the SPL. then when that failed they tried to get them into division 1.
Similar threads
-
- Sticky
