I think Brady also said that if you analyse Stokes' play closely, you'd probably say he lacks a yard of pace.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yard of Pace
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I think Brady also said that if you analyse Stokes' play closely, you'd probably say he lacks a yard of pace.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yard of Pace
Ah, good remembering! He said that he lacks that yard of pace to be a truly top player. His other qualities certainly make up for it at the moment anyway, imo. Not that I think he should be in for Sweden and Austria. He messed up and he needs to make amends more than just having a good start to a season.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
We had a Glaswegian girl in training us for a week at work last summer and, after she became aware of my Irish origins and interest in football, she revealed to me that she often went out drinking in Glasgow with an Irish international footballer. She alleged that the drinking "abilities" of the player in question were more impressive than his footballing skills. Transpired she was referring to Stokes. For the good of his career and international prospects, you'd like to think he's put the heavy drinking days behind him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yard of Pace
You don't think so?Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Was he not at Everton a few weeks ago and afterwards said something like: "We wait for him" in his broken English. And in the months previous he made comments which indicate he is keeping the door open for Gibson.
My point is he should have been in the squad before now, like months back - before the present squad was ever picked. And then it would have been just a matter of course (form permitting) that he kept his place. Yes he screwed up by not joining up with the team two years ago and he was correctly dealt with by Trap at the time. But other players have been given a reprieve then why not him? When you think that McShane can find a place in there and never even kicks a ball for us, it's such a waste not to have a potent force like Stokes.
And I know Stokes was playing against a Kazakh team last night, but if you want to labour the point then .................
I'm not convinced Trap holds grudges, even against those whose commitment might be in doubt. He's happy to have the door left open for Gibson and Stephen Ireland, for example. Who are you referring to specifically when you say that others have been offered a reprieve? Has he explicitly banished anyone from his selections on the basis of their bahaviour? I know there was talk of an apology being required from someone when there occurred an identity mix-up between Marc Wilson and, I would presume, Andy Reid around the Carling Nations Cup game against Scotland (wasn't it?), but I think Trap primarily ignores players based on their perceived lack of utility or ability to perform a functional role in his system.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
Stokes is a forward. McShane is a versatile defender, in Trap's eyes at least. Trap consistently selects a set number of defenders, midfielders and forwards time and time again.Quote:
When you think that McShane can find a place in there and never even kicks a ball for us, it's such a waste not to have a potent force like Stokes.
Paul O'Shea put me right a few posts earlier. As I said, I was away, and oddly enough Trap's vist to Everton wasn't the talk of the town in Ystad :) I don't recall the other comments which is exactly why I asked.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyInvincible
I don't know if he holds grudges either. I was referring to Wilson and Gibson (and Ireland) as you correctly allude to. But it still doesn't change anything when you think of Stokes (and what he has to offer) not being on the bench while the "versatile defender" you refer to sits there like a wax dummy. Bottom line is if we need to find a goal from somewhere (and God knows they are few and far between these days) Stokes is a far better option than McShane, and quite a few others in the squad.
But Trap obviously doesn't think that way?
He's been injured for almost a year.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
That's self-evident. However, as I alluded to, McShane isn't in the squad to help us find a goal from somewhere; he's there to fulfill Trap's defender quota and to provide us with central and right-sided defensive cover. As far as players who'll help Trap find a goal from somewhere are concerned, there are at least six of them (Long, Keane, Walters, Cox, Sammon and Madden) and perhaps more (Doyle and Keogh?) favoured to Stokes by Trap at present. Stokes will have to push his way into Trap's favoured five (or rely on an injury to a Trap favourite) to have a chance of making the final cut. Trap won't be swapping defenders with strikers.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
Isn't Ystad Wallander's town?
you're lucky to get out of there alive, Stutts, that's a depression black spot and murder capital of Sweden.
Yes, we took our chances and got away with it. I nearly committed the odd murder myself down to how they control the sale of wine there.
Anyway, I think Charlie made the key point above, Stokes was injured a lot last year. It's up to Stokes to make a compelling case for a recall and if he continues current form through the year then he'll be on the plane to Rio.
I haven't seen a lot of Madden although the way he met that half volley in Wales showed a bit of class. His haul in League One last year was impressive and I'd say the SPL probably isn't that much ahead of League One.
Agree with the many questions about his attitude but seems a very mood-driven player? Anyway, Ireland's third best forward after RK & SL.
But even If Trap suddenly started playing all three in all the remaining games, pretty sure there won't be any 'plane to Rio', sadly.
We have a massive creativity void. Which all winds back to central midfield. Someone has to feed the forwards which just doesn't happen.
Tbh I think Stokes has to almost just make a standout impression in the 6 CL Group games (assuming he gets game time, which is by no means assured even with the existing Celtic squad putting aside the fact Celtic will probably/hopefully secure the signing of another striker before the window shuts) for Trap to waver from his current standpoint - He would struggle to ignore that. Stokes' SPL performances could be super all season but I doubt that would make one jot of difference to Traps thinking nor indeed a large/majority of the fanbase.
Personally, I really hope he does perform well in the SPL for the season, stays injury free and gets an opportunity in the CL games and grabs that opportunity with both boots and progresses onwards and upwards.
Ireland would definitely benefit from having a 'Head screwed on - Focused - Anthony Stokes' in its squad. As Ardee says, football ability wise he is up there in our top 3 or 4 strikers in my opinion. His assists ratio often gets overlooked but he creates a lot too as well as being able to finish.
Madden and Sammon are there in our top 6 with no compelling case existing for their inclusion. Stokes didn't turn up to take his chance when it came. I don't have any axe to grind with Trap about not picking Stokes and he's been injured most of last season.
But still I'm looking at Sammon and think wtf?? Neither him nor Maddon would get near the Celtic first team. Murphy looked an absolute donkey in a Celtic shirt, one of Lennon's most bizarre and failed signings and he's had a few. Championship standard doesn't mean anything by itself.
Clearly they're all sleeping together.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
Me neither, the Carling Cup issue, injury and a couple of off the field incidents in the proceeding couple of years have meant it was neither here nor there for me and I dont think he particularly deserved a squad place. The season he had with Hooper (which you have mentioned), he played well, linked up play well and scored 20 or so goals from memory plus the assists. He has started this season looking fairly bright, hopefully it continues. Footballing wise there is nothing Cox, Madden, Sammon can offer that Stokes can't do and much better. I ommitted Walters purely because he offers something a little bit different - though i'd put my money on Stokes before Walters to score a pen! If he wants it enough, he can force that door open once again. I doubt there is enough games/time in this campaign though for it to happen ahead of the EC16 qualifiers.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
The bank Job.
I see Celtic have signed Finnish striker, Teemu Pukki, from Schalke: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23832031
If Lennon's comments are to be taken at face-value, he'll first have to work his way past the likes of Stokes in the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Celtic have also signed Israeli midfielder, Nir Biton: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23869184Quote:
The 23-year-old joins the Scottish champions from German side Schalke, who he joined in 2011, having previously featured for Sevilla and Helsinki.
Manager Neil Lennon confirmed after Celtic's Champions League play-off win against Shakhter Karagandy that a fee had been agreed for the player.
"The carrot of the Champions League might be a bigger draw for a lot of players now," he said.
"I think it puts us in an excellent position but they will have to play well to get into that team."
Biton is certainly under no illusions regarding the task ahead of him...
Quote:
"I am at Celtic, one of the best clubs in Europe," said the player who had two trials for Manchester City in 2012.
"When you come to a club like Celtic, you expect to win leagues, cups and to go far in the Champions League."
Hmm, they won't have to be that great to get into that side.
Last-minute winner for Celtic today from a free kick, and immediately booked for celebrating too much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNI7MtMHhS0
As Liam Brady more or less summed up the other night, bags of talent, not enough hard graft and right attitude. Maybe with a little maturity, he may fulfill potential this season. Given recent departures, he has a chance to establish himself as the 'main man' at Celtic.
Continued his good start to the season with a decent performance against Hearts at the weekend. Hopefully he can feature against Milan tomorrow night, though I'm not sure he'll start.
The 5 minute highlights show glimpses of what he can do with regards to creating, scoring and even taking a decent corner (something we can't seem to do at the moment!). Nicely taken goal (around 2:50) his fourth of the season and a lovely assist for the third goal (around 4:00).
No doubt he will feature in a squad soon enough once the new manager is in place and hopefully he can take it from there and let his football do the talking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ-MqJoTiac&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLAmNSUlUap5sNWgDy9_dL5HkD7mwHgEII
He's actually probably the only decent finisher we have besides Robbie. Long is great and all, but he's not exactly prolific. More of a Kevin Doyle type player with more pace.
Stokes starts up front for Celtic against AC Milan in the San Siro.
playing well
He's just after hitting the cross-bar with a free-kick. Good effort. Still 0-0 going into the last ten minutes.
Edit: Ouch! Milan score with a wickedly deflected shot that was otherwise going wide.
Celtic so unlucky.
No reason why Celtic can't win at home though.
I thought Stokes did okay last night, not brilliant but more than decent. The service in to him wasnt great to be honest but you could see plenty of moments of a good first touch, good vision with flick ons to team mates etc. Whilst Samaras was supporting him from wide and Commons from in the hole - He was kind of up top on his own - a position which isnt best suited to his attributes. It will be tricky for him to nail down that starting spot, certainly for away european fixtures but tonights overall good team performance of which Stokes played an important role will do his chances no harm whatsoever.
At 0-0 he capitalised on a mistake from the Milan defence and left the Milan FB on his ar$e by going outside then cutting back in, looked like he skewed the disappointing shot wide but a defender actually managed to block it and Celtic won the corner kick.
Again at 0-0, after a few disappointing freekicks from team mates, Stokes stepped up to take one and curled it over the wall and hit the junction of crossbar and post with the keeper well beaten - agonisingly close.
He hasnt had many opportunities to play against this quality of opposition and whilst Milan were certainly no great shakes on the night (Celtic should have at least got a point, possibly all 3) he more than held his own.
Hopefully he continues his good form in the SPFL and gets his chance at home against Barcelona in a couple of weeks - Though based on Celtic winning last time around, Barca will be gunning for revenge coupled with their thumping of Ajax 4-0 last night, I fear it could be a 'feeding off the scraps' type of night for whoever plays up front.
Lets get him in an Ireland squad whilst his confidence is high and the games left are dead rubber.
Would have been a totally different game if his free kick had gone in, then there was the deflection.
Must be disheartening to end up losing 2:0 when with a bit of luck they could of won 1:0.
Maybe they can get some justice in the return leg, but the face Barcelona next which is going to be tough, but not impossible!
As a ten year old, Ruud Gullit for me was the most fearsome sight with those dreadlocks and mostashe - I thought he was a lion!!! Anyways an older and not nearly as impressive dreadlockless Ruud is not so impressed with Celtic strikers....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24215615
No treble for Celtic anyway this season. Lost 1-0 aet to Morton at Celtic Park. Stokes came on after 65 minutes.
Starts against barcelona tonight
They seemed to be doing OK even down to 10 men. Stokes off on 70 mins and Barca socre 9 minutes later.
Celtic had been going forward and had a chance them selves, but that got hit by barca after that, maybe it
was barca's plan to lure them out to hit them on the break.
Tough game for him living off scraps.
Forget about Samaras passing to you
He was kind of on his own up front.
Celtic had a couple of chances in 2nd half but that gob$hite Scott Brown kicked a Barca player when there was absolutely no need and got a straight red
I was up at the game.
Stokes put in a really hard shift but was basically chasing shadows. I've not seen the stats but I'd imagine Barca had 70%-75% possession whilst Stokesy was on the pitch. He was dropping in to midfield (so it was more of a 4-5-1 than a 4-4-2) and doing a lot of harrying and closing down but getting very little time on the ball. Its a fairly soul destroying task at the best of times but Stokes is not a midfielder and his qualities are further up the field on the ball. Perhaps having Kayal or someone on from the start might have been better (not for Stokes obviously). Having said that Lennons gameplan overall was working but for the silly kick out by Brown (as soft as it was). To keep up that level of workrate for a whole 90 minutes was going to be hard with 11, almost impossible with 10.
Samaras was a better outlet for Celtic, he has pace to burn (Stokesy doesnt really) and can hold up play with his head/chest really well (again not so much an attribute of our guy). Pity he can be blinkered/selfish on occasion as there were a couple of opportunities to play Stokes in, if only he had lifted his head.
Still, Its another CL start for young Anthony. The double header versus Ajax over the coming 5 weeks are critical to whether Celtic finish bottom of the pile or can try and get in to place for a Europa spot and European football after Christmas which would be great news for Celtic and Stokesy of course!
Pikku came on for the last 5 or 10 minutes a showed a couple of glimpses of decent play - Its imperative Stokes keeps up his domestic form and nets a few between now and then otherwise he may drop down to the bench.
:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Junior
samaras is easily one of the worst players i have ever seen. ok he can hold a ball up but hes 7ft tall so its easy for him. every time i see him i get annoyed that someone is actually paying him to be a footballer. brutal player. And as for having pace to burn?????? sorry are we actually talking about the same player :confused:
Samaras has frustrated me in the past (still does actually) but you would have to have been living on another planet if you couldn't appreciate his performances for Celtic over recent seasons, particularly in Europe. He was outstanding last night. An Outlet, holding up play, back on the edge of his own box making challenges and winning back possession, lifting the crowd, taking on the captains responsibilities when down to 10 men. I have been his biggest critic in the past but he has certainly stepped up to the plate. I remember stutts posting a few years ago that 'he could see a player in there somewhere' but I just scoffed - I really thought he was a headless chicken. I am big enough to accept I was wrong....Duggie, I think its your turn to hit the confessional box......
he makes dirk kuyt look like messi, thats how bad he is.