Celtic Reserves 0-0 Manchester United Reserves
Nov 6 2008 By Gordon Parks
Parkhead Latest...
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER brought his Manchester United kids to Airdrie yesterday and offered a glimpse into the future of the European champions.
But it was four Irishmen, one American and a Japanese international who opened a window into what lies on the horizon for the Celtic support.
The Old Trafford reserve boss arrived at New Broomfield for a challenge match just hours before the big boys got down to the serious business of the Champions League.
Just one glance at the teamsheet provided a few pointers to the paths being taken by both clubs as they continue to nurture their own talent.
But is there really millions of pounds of a difference between the kids at Carrington and the youngsters being honed under the shadow of the Campsie Hills in Lennoxtown?
The rise from seedling to superstar is more about grooming potential and an exercise in patience rather than the scattering of pound notes for the ready-made international ace.
That's a luxury Celtic can no longer afford in today's climate and on this evidence a combination of homegrown talent and those from further afield appears to be the way ahead.
Scotland boss George Burley could be excused missing this clash in Lanarkshire as Celtic listed Irishmen Lawrence Gaughan, Ritchie Towell, Michael Tidser and Graham Carey in their starting 11.
Perhaps another indication of a lack of native talent in this country.
But wearing the red shirt at rightback was Edinburgh-born David Gray whose athleticism and composure on the ball offers real hope he'll better the couple of topteam appearances he's managed so far under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Of the five starting Scots on view for Willie McStay's side Mark Millar caught the eye early on with an ability to retain possession and link up with Koki Mizuno, deployed in a central-striking role.
Celtic fielded American Dom Cervi and the keeper was grasping fresh air as Danny Drinkwater drilled a 35-yard free-kick off his bar in the 27th minute.
As always with a side of United's stature there is a player on show who doesn't feel the need to provide two names.
Decked in the No.9 shirt Manucho, a £3million recruit from Petro Atletico last year, looked worth every penny.
The Angolan international twice showed clever footwork and pace to fire in shots Cervi did well to stop but the quality of the executions was different class.
Mizuno almost grabbed an opener in the last minute of the first half with a dipping strike from just inside the box but keeper Ron Zieler clawed the effort wide.
It was a moment that offered Celtic a little encouragement after spending long spells of the first period on the backfoot. United made a change at the break with Cameron Stewart coming on but before anyone at the SFA starts a frantic search for a Scottish granny, relax, his mother is from Hamilton.
Although there is the small matter of the striker having already played for England Under-16s so an Auld Enemy tug of war is a possibility.
Celtic had the better moments after the restart with another Mizuno free-kick troubling Zieler. Millar then spun to fire in a shot United swept off the line.
Another prospect for the hosts was wide man Kevin Cawley - just inches away with a long-range effort in 74 minutes.
United would have won it 10 minutes from the end had Tom Cleverley lived up to his name. Clean through against Cervi he somehow screwed his shot past from just eight yards.
link.
Nov 6 2008 By Gordon Parks
Parkhead Latest...
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER brought his Manchester United kids to Airdrie yesterday and offered a glimpse into the future of the European champions.
But it was four Irishmen, one American and a Japanese international who opened a window into what lies on the horizon for the Celtic support.
The Old Trafford reserve boss arrived at New Broomfield for a challenge match just hours before the big boys got down to the serious business of the Champions League.
Just one glance at the teamsheet provided a few pointers to the paths being taken by both clubs as they continue to nurture their own talent.
But is there really millions of pounds of a difference between the kids at Carrington and the youngsters being honed under the shadow of the Campsie Hills in Lennoxtown?
The rise from seedling to superstar is more about grooming potential and an exercise in patience rather than the scattering of pound notes for the ready-made international ace.
That's a luxury Celtic can no longer afford in today's climate and on this evidence a combination of homegrown talent and those from further afield appears to be the way ahead.
Scotland boss George Burley could be excused missing this clash in Lanarkshire as Celtic listed Irishmen Lawrence Gaughan, Ritchie Towell, Michael Tidser and Graham Carey in their starting 11.
Perhaps another indication of a lack of native talent in this country.
But wearing the red shirt at rightback was Edinburgh-born David Gray whose athleticism and composure on the ball offers real hope he'll better the couple of topteam appearances he's managed so far under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Of the five starting Scots on view for Willie McStay's side Mark Millar caught the eye early on with an ability to retain possession and link up with Koki Mizuno, deployed in a central-striking role.
Celtic fielded American Dom Cervi and the keeper was grasping fresh air as Danny Drinkwater drilled a 35-yard free-kick off his bar in the 27th minute.
As always with a side of United's stature there is a player on show who doesn't feel the need to provide two names.
Decked in the No.9 shirt Manucho, a £3million recruit from Petro Atletico last year, looked worth every penny.
The Angolan international twice showed clever footwork and pace to fire in shots Cervi did well to stop but the quality of the executions was different class.
Mizuno almost grabbed an opener in the last minute of the first half with a dipping strike from just inside the box but keeper Ron Zieler clawed the effort wide.
It was a moment that offered Celtic a little encouragement after spending long spells of the first period on the backfoot. United made a change at the break with Cameron Stewart coming on but before anyone at the SFA starts a frantic search for a Scottish granny, relax, his mother is from Hamilton.
Although there is the small matter of the striker having already played for England Under-16s so an Auld Enemy tug of war is a possibility.
Celtic had the better moments after the restart with another Mizuno free-kick troubling Zieler. Millar then spun to fire in a shot United swept off the line.
Another prospect for the hosts was wide man Kevin Cawley - just inches away with a long-range effort in 74 minutes.
United would have won it 10 minutes from the end had Tom Cleverley lived up to his name. Clean through against Cervi he somehow screwed his shot past from just eight yards.
link.
talk about damning with faint praise!