CELTIC WANTED FRANKFURT HERO RAFAEL SANTOS BORRE LAST YEAR

Last night Celtic supporters were thankful as he ended Rangers’ UEL dreams, but the Hoops were reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt’ Rafael Santos Borre last summer. Indeed, the Colombian forward proved to be the star of the Europa League final as he scored the Bundesliga side’s equaliser and then the winning penalty. Both moments came in front of the Rangers support too as he proved to be the difference-maker on the night.

HEARTS TRIO DOUBTFUL FOR CELTIC CLASH

Three Hearts players are doubtful ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash with Celtic. League leaders Celtic will play hosts toHearts in a Scottish Premiership encounter billed to take place next weekend. It could be the title-clinching game for Celtic in their quest to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title from Old Firm rivals Rangers.

Celtic will need a point from the home game withHeartsif they manage to beat Rangers this weekend. They had won nine straight Scottish Premiership titles before Rangers stopped them from winning a tenth successive title last season thanks to the managerial input of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. In addition towinning the Scottish Premiership title last season, Rangers alsowent through the entire season without a single defeat.

OPINION: CELTIC STAR MORE THAN DESERVING OF WORLD CUP WINNER’S PRAISE

One of the more unexpected stories to come out over the last 24 hours was World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon’s praise for his fellow goalkeeper, and Celtic number one Joe Hart. The former Italy goalkeeper – who won the World Cup in 2006 – has been very impressed with how Hart has performed for the Hoops this season.

MATCH PREVIEW: CELTIC VS ROSS COUNTY

High-flying Celtic are aiming for a ‘domestic treble’ under Ange Postecoglou following a commanding midweek victory against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup quarterfinals. They have already conquered the League Cup crown and a three-point cushion in the Premiership standings must be maintained on Saturday afternoon by defeating Ross County at Celtic Park.

FORMER CELTIC MANAGER GETS BACK INTO MANAGEMENT

Neil Lennon, former Celtic manager has gotten another job in football management after accepting a psoposao from AC Omonia Nicosia. His swift return to football management will see him manage in Cyprus and coach the country's football league side AC Omonia Nicosia. The former Celtic manager agreed a return to the dugout with a contract until 2024. A club statement confirmed the appointment this evening as Lennon takes his first job since leaving his role at Parkhead.

UNITED YOUNGSTER LINKED WITH POSSIBLE CELTIC MOVE

When it comes to giving youth chance, English Premier League giants Manchester United are fondly known as one of the best and most consistent teams in the world to do that. Over the years, we have seen a lot of youngsters rise up the ranks at the youth academy at Old Trafford although not all of then go on to reach the set expectations, the list is still growing. One of the current and most recent starlets the club boasts of is England youth inrernetionak star Shola Shoretire. The youngster has already been reported to be attracting a lot of interest from clubs who want to sign him on loan, but the Red Devils have kept on turning down those proposals as they reportedly have plans for him.

CELTIC FANS HAVE REASONS TO CELEBRATE

Celtic fans have reasons to celebrate as they would finally have the opportunity to watch their team play. Scottish authorities have ended the ban on outdoor activities, which is a major step for things to return to normal since the second wave of the pandemic started.

The government had earlier pegged the number of people at outdoor events on Boxing day last year. Prior to this landmark decision, the number of crowds at outdoor events was pegged at a meager 500 people. Now there is no limitation to the number of people that can be at an outdoor event, though covid19 protocols have to be observed in cases where these rules are to be exercised.

HAMSTRING TEAR FEARED FOR TURNBULL

Medical expert Ben Dinnery has feared that Celtic midfielder David Turnbull could damage his hamstring more if his recovery is not properly managed following the news that he has suffered hamstring tear. The Celtic star picked up the injury during the recent League Cup clash with Hibernian.

Dinnery has a background in data analysis and medicine. According to him, Celtic midfielder Turnbull sustained a “Grade three” tear during the Hibs game on December 19. Dinnery also runs the Premier League Injuries site. He ruled Turnbull out for around eight weeks three days after picking up the injury in a chat with Adam Williams of the Football Insider.

HANNES WOLF ON CELTIC RADAR – REPORT

Borussia Moenchengladbach attacking midfielder Hannes Wolf is a reported target for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. German newspaper Bild disclosed that Celtic could make an audacious bid for the player in the winter transfer window.

Wolf signed for Borussia Moenchengladbach from fellow German Bundesliga outfitRB Leipzig in the summer, but he has had to endure a lack of playing time at his new club. To this effect, the attacking midfielder has been linked with a move away from Gladbachin the search for more minutes on the pitch. Wolf has been restricted to just 303 minutes on the pitch this season in the colours of Borussia Moenchengladbach.

HICKEY OPENS UP ON SNUBBING CELTIC

Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey has opened up on snubbing the interest from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic last summer. The young Scottish player talked about rejecting Celtic and other interested teams ahead of his move to Italian Serie A side Bologna at the start of last season.

Hickey revealed the decision behind turning down Celtic and other teams in an interview with Italian media outletZerocinquantuno. According to him, he didn't have any positive feelings towards any other offers apart from Bologna last summer. Bologna paid an undisclosed fee believed to be around £1.5m to sign Hickey from Hearts at the start of last season. The 19-year-old is a versatile player who can function well as a midfielder or as a left-back.

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