Celtic are through to the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League after a comfortable aggregate victory vs FK Jablonec.
Celtic came in tonight’s match at Paradise with a 4-2 aggregate lead, so David Turnbull’s first-half goal effectively killed off the tie. He wasn’t finished though and his second-half ping from distance was the cherry on top.
James Forrest’s effort then increased the lead further, 3-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate.
The crowd was electric and appreciative all night. I don’t think anyone leaving the stadium tonight doesn’t believe in Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys.
It was another positive occasion at Celtic Park and, in front of the first truly big crowd at the stadium in well over a year, there were a few big lessons.
Here’s three…
The Tom Rogic resurrection is underway after Celtic vs Jablonec
Aussie midfielder Tom Rogic took the confidence from the 6-0 win over Dundee straight into this match and impressed from the off.
His work ethic and confidence look much improved over what we witnessed under Neil Lennon. He appears eager to be a Celtic star again. That intent, coupled with his natural ability makes him a joy to watch.
Not only that, but his vision and some of his passes were exquisite, in the first half in particular.
It’s still early days of course. He needs to stay fit and show this kind of energy on a consistent basis. He’s not done that for a long time.
However, it very much looks like Ange Postecoglou may well be able to resurrect his compatriot and bring the Rogic we know and love back into the hearts of supporters.
Ange Postecoglou the Unifier
My big picture takeaway on the early days of the Postecoglou reign is that he’s unified his team with the support again. Perhaps that was always going to happen with the return of fans and the natural goodwill that creates. But I don’t think it was a guarantee.
His forthright manner in the media and the swashbuckling nature of his team’s football is a heady mix of exactly what supporters were after from a new manager.
Postecoglou has been in Glasgow for less than two months and has turned around the ill-feeling and rancour of last season into something we can build off of now.
We’re far from a finished product, it has to be stressed, but I’ve bought in. Let’s see where this goes under a new leader of the Celtic.
Celtic goalkeepers can make saves
Celtic have waited for a long time for a goalkeeper to get behind. The early signs are that Joe Hart can be that man.
The former England international made two excellent saves in quick succession in the second half, to massive roars from the crowd.
It was a fantastic moment and should give him massive confidence going forward. Two clean sheets in a row, against any opposition, is nothing to sniff at for Celtic at the moment.
It’s a great part of the overall forward progress.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou explains Liel Abada Celtic absence vs Jablonec.
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