Celtic were up against A League opposition this week but made to look like Z-list quality as they slipped up on the first night of Ange Postecoglou ’s homecoming tour Down Under.
The Sydney Super Cup may only be a kick-about competition but try telling that to the furious Hoops support who got up at the crack of dawn to see their side humbled by the tournament hosts at the Allianz Stadium. Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs , said: “Who cannot agree with Ange's outburst at his lackadaisical and lethargic Celts who let him down big time against a well-marshalled and competent Sidney FC side.
“They made the Parkheaders look like novices, ending Postecoglou’s hope of a triumphant homecoming. It looked as though they saw the visit to Oz as a junket where they could relax and allow complacency to seep into their play. They had better wake up against Everton or face further embarrassment.”
David Bryce, Troon , ranted: “It seems any time Celtic are asked to step up a level they are incapable of doing so! Once again they turned in a woeful performance against Sydney. We haven’t improved a jot from last season.
“ Rangers have went back the way but we will never improve with players like Stephen Welsh, James Forrest and Yosuke Ideguchi in the side. Ange needs to find a spark from somewhere because we’re rapidly going back the way!”
Jim McSorley, Bothwell , added: “Friendly or not, Celtic’s Sydney Cup tie has shown the need to bring in another centre half as back up. Stephen Welsh was out paced by a 31-year-old semi-retired Slovakian for the first goal and cant be relied upon to fill in when needed.”
Rangers fan Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill , said: “Celtic refused to allow their players to be released for Scotland duty to concentrate on their Super Cup matches, only to lose 2-1 to Australian giants Sydney FC! I’m sure Celtic could have found similar standard opposition in our own Highland League. A laughing stock in Europe and now a laughing stock in Australia.”
Speculation continues to swirl round the future of Ibrox boss Gio van Bronckhorst but Steve McSherry, Uddingston , reckons: “Rangers fans who berate Van Bronckhorst should give the guy a break. He has a pool of players that is devoid of quality and no money to improve it. If the club were to spend the money it would take to mount a challenge they would end up like the old Glasgow Rangers, dead.”
Scotland brought their 2022 duties to a close with a 2-1 friendly defeat to Turkey on Wednesday. Barriemore Barlow, Dunbartonshire , rang to say: “The lavish praise afforded to Billy Gilmour in his short career seems way over the top. He’s now played for four managers and not one has had him in as a regular. Hauled off against Turkey, looks like he's the new Ryan Gauld.”
Tom Paterson, Falkirk , added: “So it seems young Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson is undecided whether to play for Scotland or England - well, hunt him! If he is "undecided" then we don't want him. We only want guys who are totally committed to the cause.
“I myself was born in England but both parents and ALL my family are Scottish - I would NEVER have entertained playing for England. Tell him to do one!”
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