I WAS not overly surprised that Nadir Ciftci was given the nod to start in Celtic’s 2-0 victory over FC Stjarnan.

As soon as the Turkish signing was given some game time against Real Sociedad a week ago, I did think he would start against the Icelandic side because, physically, I think he fits the bill of what Ronny Deila is looking for – and that is certainly no slight on Leigh Griffiths.

It could be that Leigh is someone the manager relies on domestically, while Nadir is given more responsibility in the European games – especially since the former Dundee United player could be looking at a domestic ban for the opening weeks of the season.

I do wonder, though, whether or not there is another signing to be made before the window closes? I suspect it may hinge on whether or not Virgil van Dijk stays at the club.

But these weeks are spent with Champions League progress uppermost on the minds of the manager and his players.

There is always a degree of apprehension around the Champions League qualifiers because of the stage of the season when they take place.

Celtic went into this week’s game against Stjarnan having played just three pre-season matches, so it was inevitable in many ways that they looked a bit rusty at times.

The most important thing was getting a couple of goals and keeping a clean sheet. It ought to be sufficient next week in Iceland when they will be playing in a tiny ground and on an artificial surface as they look to progress in the tournament.

However, given the amount of chances Celtic created, they really should have been going into the second leg with a more commanding lead.

They should still have enough to see it out, but what I would say is that the tie is not over just yet, and I am sure it is a point Ronny will emphasise this week.

The problem with this stage of the competition is that you are up against inferior teams, but teams who are well into their season.

Celtic actually looked fit enough, but it is the match sharpness you need and that, of course, only comes with playing games.

And while there are some who would have expected a cricket score the other night, I think you have to accept that you aren’t going to produce your best football at this stage of the campaign.

It will take a little bit of time for Celtic to get up to speed, which is why the likes of tomorrow’s game in Spain against SD Eibar and the meeting with Rennes tomorrow week will be useful for giving everyone a bit of game time and also for working on one or two things.

Dedryck Boyata looks as though he has fitted in seamlessly, and the fact he marked his home debut with a goal will mean that he gets a bit of a lift.

With Jason Denayer away, it was important that whoever took over was capable to slot in quickly, and I think Dedryck looks assured in there. It is early days for him and it will be interesting to see just who he will be playing alongside at the heart of the defence.

There were some question marks over the fact he had not played first-team football for so long – Ronny joked it was five years, but in actual fact it was 18 months – but given that all players need to go through a pre-season, I think this term he has started at the same base as everyone else.

I don’t think he is at too much of a disadvantage and I am sure he will get some game time in Spain to keep him ticking over. Similarly, James Forrest is back in the fold after a season last year that was wrecked by injuries.

I read Ronny’s comments that James can be one of the main players for Celtic this season in European football, but the key aspect is keeping the player fit.

If he can stay injury-free and get a run of games, then he is someone who is capable of holding considerable influence, but the main thing is that it is not stop-start for him the way it has been of late.

It is so difficult to get any kind of momentum if you are in and out of the team or even if you have a fear at the back of your mind that your hamstring might go again.

But if James can get through the season injury free then I do feel his pace is always going to be an asset whoever he is up against.

Tomorrow will give Celtic the chance to get another bit of sharpness into their system ahead of Wednesday night. It is important, I think, at this stage not to look too far ahead, but to concentrate simply on getting through this tie, where they would face Qarabag FK of Azerbaijan or FK Rudar Pljevlja of Montenegro.

 

Johansen put Griffiths in a bit of a spot

STEFAN JOHANSEN did a daft thing on Wednesday night when he tried to take the penalty Celtic were awarded after he had been brought down against Stjarnan – especially when Leigh Griffiths is the designated spot-kick Bhoy.

I don’t think there is any doubt that in a situation like that you can really put extra pressure on your team-mate who is gearing up to take the kick. In fact, it is the last thing you want to see as a manager.

And, sure enough, Griffiths then missed the kick and you have to say that a 2-0 win and a 3-0 win is an entirely different thing. Had that penalty gone in then effectively the tie is over.

As it is, there is still work to be done and although Celtic will be expected to prevail, it could have been far more straightforward.

It isn’t the first time it has happened, but I think I could put money on it being the last.

If the manager was publicly scathing over the incident I can imagine that he would have been far more vocal when speaking to the player privately. I don’t think he will be in any doubt that what he did was embarrassing and unprofessional.

Johansen is an international football player; he should know better. It is different if the regular taker has taken a knock winning the penalty or if you think that they don’t want to take it for whatever reason.

But there is absolutely no reason for trying to wrestle the ball off him and take the kick yourself.

If there is a decision made at the start of the game about who has penalty-kick responsibilities then that is what you go with, end of story.

It was uncalled for, but I would not expect to see anything like that again this season. I am sure the manager will have made that perfectly clear.

 

I am so proud to be on facade of Celtic Park

IT makes me proud to see me among the iconic faces that now adorn the facade of Celtic Park.

The design which is wrapped around both ends of the stadium is remarkable and I really think it looks striking.

I would struggle to think of a ground anywhere that looks as impressive externally as Parkhead does at night when you pull up outside it.

The Celtic Way and the design that has been done charting the legendary chapters of the club’s history gives it an unparalleled look.

It is as good as anything I have seen anywhere else and the club has to be commended for taking on what has been a relatively unique project.

There is no question it adds to the prestige of the stadium and it is a world-class venue, both inside and out.

To be up there among it all is very special.

 

Your question for Davie Hay

ALISTAIR McQUEEN from Dalmarnock asked Davie: Who will be Celtic’s most influential player this season?

“I think I would have to go with Scott Brown just because of the drive and energy that he brings to the team. I think Celtic look a different side when he is playing because he is constantly driving them on.

“However, it will be interesting to see if Nadir Ciftci can impose his abilities upon the team. He seems like a confident lad and we’ll see how important he becomes as the season develops.”

If you have a question for Davie, please contact him at daviehay@eveningtimes.co.uk and we’ll print the answer alongside the question.