Scottish Premiership

TRIBUTES have poured in for Celtic great Johannes Edvaldsson after his death at the age of 70.
Icelandic star Edvaldsson – nicknamed Shuggie – played for Celtic for five years from 1975 to 1980 after being signed by Jock Stein.

Edvaldsson in action for Celtic during his playing daysCredit: SNS Group

He went on to make 195 appearances for the club, scoring 38 goals.
Edvaldsson won two league titles and one Scottish Cup with the Hoops and later returned to Scotland to play for Motherwell.
In a career which brought him 34 international caps, he also played in South Africa, France, Denmark, the USA and Germany.
His younger brother, Atli, was also capped for their homeland and later managed the Icelandic national team.

Former Celtic team-mate Murdo Macleod tweeted: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Johannes ‘Big Shuggie’ Edvaldsson.
“Big part of the team when we beat Rangers 4-2 to win the league in 1979. My thoughts are with his family.”
Macleod also tweeted a photo of the Celts squad which won the 1978-79 title under boss Billy McNeill.
Edvaldsson played 188 games and scored 36 goals for the Glasgow giants and built up a cult following among the Hoops faithful.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Johannes “Big Shuggie” Edvaldsson. Big part of the team when we beat Rangers 4-2 to win the league in 1979. My thoughts are with his family. @CelticFC pic.twitter.com/vSiLioHoUM
— Murdo Macleod (@murdomacleod06) January 24, 2021

The club’s Former Players’ Association tweeted: “Very sad news today about Big Johannes ‘Shuggie’ Edvaldsson who passed away today. A great Celt. Our thoughts are with family. RIP.”
Celtic confirmed the news on their website and added: “Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Johannes Edvaldsson, who has died at the age of 70.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Johannes’ family at this very sad time.”

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EDDIE HOWE is the red hot favourite to be the next Celtic manager after TWO bookies suspended betting on him taking over from Neil Lennon.
The former Bournemouth boss has been out of work since leaving the Cherries following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

Eddie Howe is in line to be the next Celtic bossCredit: PA:Press Association

After Howe’s price dropped as short as 1/10, Betfair and Paddy Power have pulled the plug on any further punters placing bets in the next Celtic boss market.
Pressure continues to mount on Hoops gaffer Neil Lennon following a disastrous season in the league and in Europe.
Lennon has insisted he won’t resign despite trailing Steven Gerrard’s Rangers by TWENTY points in the Scottish Premiership.
Earlier this week Howe, 43, was installed as odds-on favourite to become the next No1 at Parkhead.

The young English manager has been heavily linked with taking over from Lennon for the past two months.
A Paddy Power spokesman said: “Howe’s your luck?
“You go on the record saying you’re going nowhere, and within hours your club’s lined up a younger, better looking model. I know the feeling.
“The Celtic board brought Neil Lennon back to the club to be a kind of steady Eddie – now it looks like they’ve gone for the real deal instead.”

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Neil Lennon is under huge pressure at CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Lennon, who has won five titles as Celtic boss, copped more flak after coming out fighting in DEFENCE of the club’s Dubai warm-weather training trip amid the pandemic.
The PR disaster was confirmed when two players tested positive for Covid-19 upon their return to colder shores.
Howe is also in the frame for the Newcastle job as bookies favourite with Geordie Steve Bruce feeling the heat from the Toon army after a number of uninspiring displays.

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NEIL LENNON has blasted the ‘barrage of absolute hypocrisy’ over Celtic’s trip to Dubai.
The Hoops were rocked last week when Christopher Jullien tested positive for Covid-19 upon the team’s return to Scotland.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon took aim at pundits, the media and government in his press conferenceCredit: PLZ

And it only got worse as a further 13 first team stars – including Lennon and John Kennedy – were forced to self-isolate.
Having returned to take charge of training today, the Celtic boss confirmed one of the players in isolation has now tested positive for the virus.
However, in an astonishing press conference, Lennon blasted the criticism of the club over the trip.
He said: “Everybody’s negative, the whole squad’s negative bar two players.

Neil Lennon confirmed another player has tested positive for coronavirus after the club’s controversial trip to DubaiCredit: PLZ
“I think that’s remarkable and I think it totally blows out of the water the way the trip, the way the training camp, has been portrayed by certain quarters of the media, by certain pundits and by certain government officials as well.
“We did not abuse any ‘privilege’. We did the right things, we were absolutely totally professional.
“We had a little drink in the afternoon on our day off, completely allowed, no law-breaking.
“Yet we come back to this barrage of absolute hypocrisy.”

Most of Celtic’s isolating stars only returned to training at Lennoxtown for the first time since their return from Dubai this morning.

SunSport’s pictures showed the likes of Scott Brown, Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard all arriving at the training ground.
While others, including Kris Ajer, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Hatem Elhamed and Vasilis Barkas were also photographed as they drove in.
Celtic were forced to play their last two games against Hibs and Livingston with a mixture of first-team players and youngsters.
But Lennon will hope to have a mostly full squad to choose from when they travel to West Lothian to face Livi again on Wednesday evening.
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SPARTAK MOSCOW have trolled Celtic over their controversial Dubai trip… after arriving in the desert state.
Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell was forced to issue an apology over the ill-fated getaway, which provoked fierce criticism from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the club’s own supporters.

Lawwell spoke in front of club TV cameras as he admitted the winter jaunt was ‘a mistake’ during a worsening global pandemic.
Crocked Celtic stopper Christopher Jullien tested positive with Covid on return, forcing 13 players to self-isolate along with boss Neil Lennon and assistant John Kennedy.
That left the Hoops decimated for the rearranged clash with Hibs as they were held to a 1-1 draw on Monday.
As a result, Celtic slipped 21 points behind champions-elect Rangers – killing their ten-in-a-row dreams once and for all.

Now, Russian side Spartak have travelled to the Middle East for a warm-weather training camp and couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at the Scottish champions.
Sharing a video of their squad walking through the airport, they tweeted: “We’re in Dubai. Any tips, @CelticFC?”.
The post caught the attention of supporters as they replied in their numbers, with one Celtic fan hitting back: “Zenit St Petersburg > Spartak….”
After Scott Brown and Neil Lennon were pictured poolside drinking beer, one Rangers punter joked: “Straight to the pool for some well earned pints.”

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While another Gers fan bragged: “Celtic are the laughing stock of the football world now fs, what have they become”.
The cheeky posts comes after Celtic fans were left baffled when Armstrong Oko-Flex was pictured wearing AIRPODS moments before his debut.
Gavin Strachan – who was in charge of the first-team for the clash with the Hibees – confirmed post-match that boss Lennon was communicating with the youngster through the headphones.

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CELTIC fans have been left baffled after Armstrong Oko-Flex was pictured wearing an AIRPODS moments before making his debut.
The ex-Arsenal youngster, 18, came off the bench during the Hoops’ Premiership clash against Hibs.

Celtic starlet Oko-Flex was caught on camera with Airpod in his ear

But he was caught on camera wearing an Apple ear device, with many supporters speculating whether he was communicating with boss Neil Lennon, who is self-isolating at home along with No2 John Kennedy and 13 players. 
One fan said: “That better be Neil Lennon on the other end of that AirPod!”
Another wrote: “Okoflex with the AirPod in before going on? Never seen anything like it.”
A third commented: “Have I just witnessed a sub about to come on for Celtic and he’s an AirPod in. WTF is going on at Parkhead?”

A fourth posted: “If that Celtic sub with the AirPod doesn’t sum up their season I don’t know what does.”
Another stated: “Armstrong Okoflex with Airpods in before he comes on, safe to say I’ve never ever seen that before in football.”
While one other added: “Okoflex definitely listening to Neil Lennon through those AirPods.”

Strachan took charge of Celtic with Lennon isolatingCredit: PA:Press Association
Gavin Strachan – who was in charge of the first-team for the clash with the Hibees – confirmed post-match that Lennon was communicating with the youngster through the headphones.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Yes. We were just getting some messages to him before he came on the pitch.
“Everyone uses every bit of technology available to them and that is what we had available and we used it.
“It is good for a young player to hear the managers voice as well when he goes on the pitch.”

Teen attacker Oko-Flex was drafted into the Parkhead first-team squad after 15 playing and coaching staff were forced to isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive test.
American kid Cameron Harper made his first senior start, while Karamoko Dembele, Barry Coffey and Leo Hjelde were among those named on the bench.
David Turnbull netted a stunning free-kick late on for the hosts in what looked to be the winner, but Kevin Nisbet popped up in added-time to secure a draw for the Hibees.
In April, Celtic launched an investigation after Oko-Flex was slammed for saying an eight-year-old would be “peng” when she’s older.

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THIS surely has to be the end of ten now for Celtic.
A consequence of a self-inflicted blunder of unbelievable proportions to go to Dubai – and end up with a shadow team.

Hibs are level in stoppage time! ⏱️Laxalt gives away a soft free kick before Hazard makes a mess of his attempted clearance, allowing Nisbet the chance to side-foot home!Watch live on Sky Sports Football or follow it here: https://t.co/KAFIQBixRB pic.twitter.com/QGkWMt8zwz
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 11, 2021

Celtic star David Turnbull thought he’d won it but for Nisbet’s late levellerCredit: PA:Press Association

But this was also heart-breaking for those called on to keep alive faint title hopes.
They gave absolutely everything in the pouring rain and David Turnbull’s late wonder free-kick looked to have given them a stunning victory.
But, a minute into added time Kevin Nisbet pounced to shatter Hoops hearts – and no also doubt spark wild celebrations in every Rangers-loving household.
Rangers’ lead is now 21 points and not even three games in hand can revive it for the Hoops now.

Only a catastrophic collapse by the Light Blues will do that.
Rarely before has a Hibs team been under such pressure to avoid defeat at Parkhead.
Seeing the Celtic team-sheet – no Ajer, Christie, Griffiths, Edouard, Elyounoussi – with an astonishing 15 players out, primarily through Covid-19 reasons, cranked up hugely expectation on them for a result.
From the lunch-time moment Celtic confirmed the already crocked Christopher Jullien had tested positive and that 13 more players, plus even Neil Lennon and John Kennedy, were having to self isolate, the social media chat of WHO would be in the Hoops side dripped of ridicule.

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Kevin Nisbet netted late to snatch a point for HibernianCredit: PA:Press Association

And, yet, they were still able to name a team with decent pedigree with only kid Cameron Harper, 19, an unknown.
The troubled Shane Duffy – who quit the Dubai trip early for ‘personal reasons’ – had been ruled out over the weekend supposedly due to Covid bubble reasons.
Yet, here he was – understood to have delivered two negative tests in the space of at least 48-hours.
Sacramento rookie Harper has been wishing a full Hoops debut for long enough, but never in these circumstances…dramatically picked to fill the shoes of Edouard.
A USA youth ace truly living the American dream.
Hibs for their part didn’t have Martin Boyle and immediate cynicism said he was one of the squad with reservations of playing due to Celtic’s Covid predicament.
But the truth was more mundane – he’d merely rolled his ankle in training.
Boss Jack Ross had five changes following a third successive defeat – with 6ft 6ins Matt Macey making his debut in goal.
Top three aiming Hibs were quick to put the pressure on the thrown-together Celts.
A third minute Melker Hallberg corner was met with a glancing Nisbet header which dropped just over.
Then four minutes later Joe Newell’s well struck left foot volley was pushed away by Conor Hazard.
Costly loan stopper Duffy’s been much maligned for dreadful displays – but he deserved credit for a superb clearing far post header from an excellent Newell cross with two Hibs players prowling.
It was all Hibs with the Celts looking like they were still trying to get to know each other.

Jamie Murphy put in Nisbet with a great pass and after moving into the box he unleashed a low right foot which Hazard held well down to his right.
Celtic finally showed in the 10th minute – Turnbull’s right foot shot producing Macey’s first save.
It lifted the Hoops and Harper, from a 25th minute Mikey Johnston through ball, raced into the box and fired into the side-net from an acute angle.
It was a decent chance – but screaming at him were Tom Rogic and Turnbull who were better placed for a cut-back.
Harper cut a slight figure against the physical Paul Hanlon and Ryan Porteous but he was tireless with his running into space and harrying.
Macey – in from Arsenal until the end of the season – looked the part and two minutes from half time he produced a decent tip over from a rasping Ismaila Soro shot from 30-yards.
Seconds later he managed even better – a stunning save high to his right to push away a Diego Laxalt effort from distance.
Suddenly, Celtic swarmed over the Hibees defence and great skill by Turnbull, flicking the ball up to Callum McGregor in the box, saw the captain fail to finish in equal style.
It had been a decent half and Hibs brought on Lewis Stevenson after the break for his 500th appearance.
Celtic, of course, badly needed the three points but they were up against a yellow Hibees wall of three uncompromising stoppers and two quick wing-backs. Alex Gogic, too, was an effective spoiler in front.
It was hard going for the under pressure champions with Hibs – who also quickly introduced Christian Doidge – possessing plenty of know-how in attack.

Sturgeon asks ‘what is the purpose’ of Celtic Dubai trip and says elite sports teams should ‘not abuse’ privileged position
Cramp victim Harper was replaced by another debutant, Irish youth international Armstrong Oko-flex, as the Hoops options began to look thread-bare.
And they were grateful to Hazard on the hour for a wonderful point-blank block from Hallberg who’d been sent in by Newell.
Johnston screamed for a penalty after trickery in the box invited a Porteous challenge but ref Steven McLean wasn’t interested.
Celtic toiled to create chances as Hibs tried to turn the screw at the other end.
Then Johnston weaved some magic before shooting weakly at Macey from distance.
Hibs responded with a deflected Nisbet volley in the box which almost wrong-footed Hazard who adjusted to save.
Ten minutes from the end it appeared bleak for Celtic – until Turnbull rose to the occasion.
He’d played his heart out, taking on added responsibility, when he won a free-kick from Hibs sub Stephen McGinn in the perfect position.
And from 20-yards he curled a sublime right foot effort into the far top corner.
It was a sensational, priceless goal under big pressure – and you bet messrs Lennon and Kennedy were up on their feet in their living rooms shouting for joy.
But then there was despair in the 91st minute – yet more set-piece torment – as a Paul McGinn header from sub Stevie Mallan’s free-kick was cleared off the line by Duffy – and Nisbet rammed home from five yards.
The Verdict
CELTIC: Hazard 8, Frimpong 7, Duffy 7, Welsh 7, Laxalt 7, Soro 7, McGregor 7, Harper 5 (Oko-flex 3) Johnston 6 (Dembele 3), Turnbull 9, Rogic 6 (Henderson 3). Booked: Soro
HIBS: Macey 7, P McGinn 6, Porteous 6, Hanlon 6, Doig 4 (Stevenson 5), Hallberg 7 (S McGinn 3), Gogic 6, Wright 5 (Doidge 3), Newell 6 (Mallan 3), Murphy 7, Nisbet 7. Booked: Porteous
REF: Steven McLean 7 More

CELTIC face a Covid crisis after THIRTEEN players were forced to self-isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive case.
And boss Neil Lennon and assistant manager John Kennedy have also been told to stay at home.

Celtic are meant to host Hibs tonight at ParkheadCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

It comes just days after the Hoops returned from their controversial trip to Dubai.
The Parkhead giants confirmed they plan to fulfil tonight’s fixture against Hibs despite being without several key personnel. 
SunSport understands reserve coaches Tommy McIntyre and Stephen McManus will be helping Gavin Strachan in the dugout. 
A host of reserve players have also been called-up, with Karamoko Dembele, Armstrong Oko-Flex and Cameron Harper among them.

A club statement confirmed: “Celtic Football Club confirmed today that Christopher Jullien has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home. We wish Christopher a speedy recovery.
“While all of the other members of the squad and backroom team have tested negative, we have been informed by the authorities that, having been deemed ‘close contacts’, Celtic manager Neil Lennon, assistant John Kennedy and 13 first-team players will be required to self-isolate on a precautionary basis as required by the current regulations.
“The Club would like to thank the Scottish FA, JRG and the Scottish Government for their assistance in managing this case. Celtic will, of course, fulfil its fixture against Hibernian this evening.
“Clearly we are hugely disappointed, as we know our supporters will be.

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Celtic defender Christopher Jullien has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association
“The contacts were identified during the period from Wednesday last week, primarily around flight and team coach travel, during which time Celtic applied the same rigorous protocols used for pre-season training camps, UEFA match travel and for all domestic match arrangements in Scotland.
“These protocols have served us well in the past, as the Club has not had one positive case in our own ‘bubble’ until now.
“As we have already stated, Celtic’s decision to travel to Dubai for a training camp was for performance reasons.
“Whilst we were in Dubai, the announcements made on January 4 significantly changed the COVID landscape.  
“The reality is that a case could well have occurred had the team remained in Scotland, as other cases have done in Scottish football and across UK sport in the past week.
“Celtic has done everything it can to ensure we have in place the very best procedures and protocols.
“From the outset of the pandemic, Celtic has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football and we will continue to do so.”
Scotland’s travel corridor with the desert state slammed shut last night as a 10-day quarantine for returning travellers was put in place.
Speaking today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It’s impossible for me to talk about Dubai today without making some mention of the situation with Celtic Football Club.
“I can’t tell you how disappointed and frustrating I am to be facing another briefing that may, though this is of course up to journalists, be dominated by football.
“Football and elite sport more generally enjoys a number of privileges right now that the rest of us don’t have.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon admits she doubts Celtic’s trip to Dubai was essential
“These privileges include the right to go to overseas training camps and be exempt from quarantine on return.
“It is really vital, obviously for public health reasons, but I also think out of respect for the rest of the population living under really heavy restrictions, that these privileges are not abused.
“I know that what I’m about to say won’t please everyone. Nothing I can say about football ever pleases everyone.
“But as I have said before, I do have doubts about how the club itself described it, doubts about whether Celtic’s trip to Dubai was really essential.
“I have doubts based on some doubts I’ve seen about whether adherence to bubble rules was strict enough.
“Celtic now have a positive case and another 15 playing and coaching staff are being required to isolate.

“Now, as in any situation like this, it’s for the football authorities to decide whether any further action is necessary and it’s for them to consider that carefully.
“But this whole episode should underline how serious the situation we are in is and why everyone including football should be erring on the side of caution.
“I know fans of other clubs feel very strongly that the whole of football should not pay the price of any one club, whoever they may be, and I agree with that.
“However, a situation like this does make it essential for us to review the rules, including those around travel exemptions and that is of course what we will be doing.
“But as we do, I would hope that Celtic themselves would reflect seriously on all of this.”

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