Hinkel Content With Celtic Debut Andreas Hinkel was happy to get his Celtic debut out of the way, en route to a comfortable victory over Stirling...

New Celtic right-back Andreas Hinkel looked assured on his Celtic debut as the hoops shrugged off First Division Stirling in the Scottish Cup.

He was named the sponsors’ man of the match and his confident display will be of great comfort to Gordon Strachan, whose defence has been uncharacteristically shaky this term on account of injury woes.

Since the 25-year-old German made the £1.9million switch from Sevilla, he has come under fire from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund, who were also vying for his signature.

They cited a lack of ambition, but Hinkel has insisted Celtic Park is the best place to enhance his reputation as he aims for a return to the Germany squad.

"Having already played against Celtic in European competition, I am well aware of the magnificent stadium and wonderful passionate support which the club enjoys."

However, the defender played 10 minutes of Champions League football for Sevilla this season and will have to wait to taste the Parkhead European nights.

Therefore, Celtic’s comfortable victory over Stirling in the Fourth Round clash wouldn’t have impressed his countrymen, but Hinkel was glad of the run-out.

"I think I did okay in my first game for Celtic at home," he said.

"I have been here for a week and I need time but I enjoyed it. I think I need more games to get my rhythm, to play better and learn how Celtic play.

"It was a cup game against a smaller team and it is the same all over the world, it's not easy playing against small teams."

SPL Weekend Preview: Round 23 It’s back to league business after the Scottish Cup break last weekend. Celtic cannot afford to fall further behind Ran

Saturday 19 January 2008 (all times local)
12.30 Hearts – Hibernian
15:00 Celtic – Kilmarnock
15:00 Dundee Utd – Aberdeen
15:00 Gretna – Falkirk
15.00 St Mirren - Motherwell
Sunday 20 January 2008
14.00 Inverness CT – Rangers

Hearts - Hibernian

The lunchtime Edinburgh derby kicks of this week’s SPL card, with much to prove for both teams.

Hearts need to start picking up points to climb from 11th place - a shocking position by their standards. New Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen, meanwhile, will take charge for his first SPL game.

Brian Kerr (pictured) fired a debut goal in this fixture on the first day of the season, which also proved to be the winner. Since the inception of a top flight in 1975, neither side has won all four league derbies in a season.

Andrew Driver and goalie Steve Banks should shake off knocks for Hearts, who drew 2-2 in an emotional Scottish Cup tie with Motherwell last week.

Steven Fletcher could return for Hibs ahead of schedule, while new signing John Rankin from St Mirren is in line for a debut. David Murphy, though, has completed a move to Birmingham.


With both teams incredibly in the bottom six, this game is crucial. These rivals could cancel each other out, though, with a draw doing neither side many favours.

Prediction: 1-1

Celtic - Kilmarnock

The former leaders find themselves under pressure for the first time in recent memory. With the Hoops four points behind nemeses Rangers, Jan Venegoor of Hesselink admitted this week that Celtic must start winning ugly.

Andreas Hinkel made a competent debut in the comfortable 3-0 cup win over minnows Stirling last week and should make his SPL debut here. Shunsuke Nakamura also returned for that game, with the Japanese in contention.

Killie haven’t won in their previous nine away matches, but left Celtic Park with a credible 0-0 draw in August.

Contract rebel Colin Nish is reportedly hoping for a move to Hibernian this month, with the Rugby Park side losing faith with his failure to sign a new deal.

Kilmarnock may be rusty after their cup trip to Airdrie United was hit by last week’s freeze. They should keep this one tight, but Celtic have enough quality to edge it.

Prediction: 2-1

Dundee Utd - Aberdeen

This fixture was dubbed the ‘New Firm’ derby in the 1980s when these sides were at their Euro-conquering best. More recently, the term has been used ironically to mock the faded retro glories.

However, the game should be a bit spicier tomorrow, with both sides going well. The teams are tied at 1-1 in the season series. They occupy 5th and 4th place respectively.

Tannadice was a fortress earlier in the season, but the Arabs have lost three of their last six here. Captain Barry Robson was watched by Celtic assistant Tommy Burns in the midweek cup win at Clyde, with his future at United unclear.

Aberdeen’s contract rebels are largely still at the club with the exception of winger Chris Clark, who has left for Plymouth. The Dons are targeting Dundee Utd defender Stuart Duff, but no agreement has been reached as yet.

With Stevie Lovell finally banging them in – three in five – Aberdeen could snatch a late goal in a tight game.

Prediction: 0-1

Gretna - Falkirk

It’s hard to read into the form of the SPL basement boys. They equalised against Rangers in midweek, but were undone by the fitter Glasgow giants. Although, it’s not just the big boys who outlast the plucky upstarts, as First Division Morton pegged them back in the cup last week.

Falkirk have beaten Gretna in the only three matches played between the sides; scoring nine without reply. The cup break came at a bad time for high-flying Falkirk, but a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen will have kept the Bairns on their toes.

Skipper Steven Thomson has left for Brighton, with Darren Barr set to lead out John Hughes’ men.

Although Falkirk are in the unfamiliar role of overwhelming favourites, they continue to defy explanation and should romp home again.

Prediction: 1-4


St Mirren - Motherwell

The home side beat Hibs and minnows Dumbarton in their last two games. The latter was a 3-0 cup win, which will give the beleaguered Buddies a huge morale boost.

Gary Mason is suspended for Saints.

Visitors Motherwell, meanwhile, are coming off a turbulent few weeks. The death of skipper Phil O’Donnell and subsequent complications threatened to derail their stellar half-season. However, a battling 2-2 cup draw at Hearts shows that the 3rd placed side has some character.

The Steelmen will be forced to re-jig their established back four, as Jim Paterson will serve the first of a two game ban. Marc Fitzpatrick is set to deputise.

Like any other form team, Motherwell will suffer a dip soon. It won’t be at Love Street, though.

Prediction: 1-2


Inverness CT - Rangers

Like Danny Glover before him, Caley player-boss Craig Brewster declared, “I’m gettin’ too old for this shirt” this week. He will hang up his boots at the end of the season to concentrate on taking the Highlanders to untold lands of adventure (the top six).

The home side’s incredible turnaround – seven wins from nine after a poor start – was halted by a 3-0 cup humbling at the hands of Hibernian. However, it was Mixu Paatelinen’s first game in charge and therefore the Hibees were bound to react positively.

The visit of Rangers will be a far clearer indication of how far Thistle have progressed since the Gers turned them over here on the opening day of the season.

League leaders Rangers – it’s been a long time since we could say that without joking – have been hitting top form of late. Barry Ferguson smashed a glorious opener in the midweek win over St Mirren, with Stevie Naismith, Chris Burke and Daniel Cousin combining to suddenly transform Rangers into world beaters.

Thus, if they can beat the world they can certainly beat Caley.

Prediction: 1-3

SPL Round-Up: Celtic Close Gap, Dundee Utd Humble Aberdeen It was a day for the five home sides in the SPL. Despite an average display, Celtic profit

Saturday 19 January 2008 (all times local)
15:00 Celtic 1–0 Kilmarnock
15:00 Dundee Utd 3–0 Aberdeen
15:00 Gretna 2–0 Falkirk
15.00 St Mirren 3-1 Motherwell
12.30 Hearts 1–0 Hibernian
Sunday 20 January 2008
14.00 Inverness CT – Rangers


Celtic 1 – 0 Kilmarnock

The Hoops were dealt an early blow when they were forced into a double substitution after just 18 minutes. Andreas Hinkel’s SPL debut was ended early due to a strain, while big Dutchman Jan Venegoor of Hesselink also came off after a head-clash. Strikers Chris Killen and Derek Riordan were handed rare chances.

Killie goalie Alan Combe wasn’t too concerned about personnel. The veteran was in fine form, including a point-blank denial of a Scott MacDonald effort.

The home side took a little time to regain their early momentum. MacDonald was always a threat in the Killie box. He looked set to hit the opener, but Garry Hay blocked the Aussie’s shot bravely as the half-hour mark approached.

Combe was called into action again with Riordan on the rampage. The fringe player showed great imagination to create space before testing the visiting goalie.

Despite the home side enjoying lions’ share of the possession, Kilmarnock worked every bit as hard to keep the scores level at half-time.

In the second period, Celtic tried to up the tempo. Shunsuke Nakamura’s quality of delivery has been much missed by Gordon Strachan’s men this season. The Japanese was in fine form as he tried time and again to pick out MacDonald.

However, Kilmarnock were beginning to stride forward, sensing that there could be something in this game for them the longer Celtic waited to strike.

It was going to take a moment of genius or a defensive error to beat the impressive Combe this afternoon. Scott Brown (pictured) tried to provide the genius with a fierce drive, but it was stopper Martyn Corrigan who made the latter the reality via an own goal. His attempted clearance was risky and found the back of his own net.

The goal failed to spark the title-contenders, though, and they continued to toil. There would be a nervy finish if Killie could muster a big finish as the

Midfielder Paul Di Giacomo tried to be the hero, but Lee Naylor was on hand to block his effort.

Brown came close to killing off Killie with two minutes remaining, but he fired high after a scintillating run.

With Rangers not in action until tomorrow, Celtic have closed the gap to one point at the SPL summit.

Dundee Utd 3 – 0 Aberdeen

In the battle between the 5th placed Arabs and 4th placed Dons, there wasn’t much goalmouth action in a tight encounter.

However, both sides played some decent football. Steve Lovell is enjoying a starting berth at the moment, but his dithering in the box won’t help him win the new contract he craves.

Gary Kenneth, meanwhile, wasted the home side’s first chance when he fired wide from close range.

It was going to take something out of the ordinary to break this game open. Dons keeper Jamie Langfield would provide it after the break. He kept the ball at his feet too long and the opportunistic Noel Hunt closed him down. Langfield tried to lash the ball away, but the ball struck Hunt and found the net.

Aberdeen would again shoot themselves in the foot less than five minutes later. Lovell atoned for his earlier indecision by winning a penalty for the away side. Barry Nicholson – normally a cool penalty taker – skied the ball into the stand behind the goal.

After breaking on the right, Craig Conway held up the play until skipper Barry Robson arrived from midfield to lash home.

Robson put the game beyond doubt with some marvellous trickery. The set-piece maestro played the ball under the jumping Dons wall to round off the scoring.

United are now back up to 3rd place on goal difference, ahead of Motherwell..

Gretna 2–0 Falkirk

With Hearts winning the lunchtime Edinburgh derby, the pressure was in Gretna to pick up something at home.

After a slow start, ‘Doctor Goals’ Kenny Deuchar prescribed the opener. He treated the ball with his head after a cross by Uruguayan intern Fabien Yantorno. The Borders men were hoping to stay good shape and begin the healing process this afternoon.

Tony Caig continued his good recent form with a fine stop as Carl Finnegan tried to cancel out the opener before halftime.

Before Falkirk could start to work themselves back into the match, Gretna stunned them with a second. Paul Murray got the basement boys off to the perfect second-half start with a close-range volley.

Falkirk went for broke with a four-man attack in the second half. Gretna, though, were up to the task on this occassion. Davie Irons will be delighted to see his side keep their first SPL clean sheet, with the rookies also managing to last the full 90 minutes without collapsing.

St Mirren 3–1 Motherwell

Love Street was treated to a classy early goal. David Van Zanten and Craig Dargo combined to feed Marc Corcoran, who hit the opener with a left-foot strike.

The visitors, though, would show the strong character that has epitomised their fine season. Steven McGarry controlled despite hints of handball and fed the prolific David Clarkson, who hit the instant leveller.

The Buddies would pull ahead again as halftime approached. Ian Maxwell got the better of defender Marc Fitzpatrick in the box to power home a header.

Maxwell 3rd in three games, cutback the most dangerous weapon in football Corcoran.

A wise man once said that the cutback is the most dangerous in football. Marc Corcoran showed why when his found Maxwell, who put Saints on easy street.

Maxwell almost claimed the match ball when his 25-yeard free-kick deflected wide.

This was a very impressive performance from St Mirren – one of their best this term Motherwell slip into 4th place, but after emotional times of late Mark McGhee’s men deserve an off-day.


In the early kick-off, Hearts were beating faster than usual in the big derby match...

Hearts 1 - 0 Hibernian

The early kick-off took the shape of the Edinburgh derby. Both teams needed a reaction after poor recent form has left them in the bottom six.

It was a typically scrappy, passionate affair at Tynecastle. Hearts, though, looked the hungrier and fans’ favourite Andrius Velicka bagged the opener. Skipper Christophe Berra caused havoc in the Hibs box before the Lithuanian hitman nodded past the flailing Yves Ma-Kalambay.

Moroccan striker Abdessalam Benjelloun was the main threat for the away side in the first half, but he couldn’t convert a catalogue of half-chances.

The Hibees were guilty of some poor passing and a lack of quality in the final third as they continued to push for an equaliser after the break.

Thus, Steven Fletcher was brought into the fray after a spell on the sidelines. He did make a positive impact, but an Eggert Johnsson block denied him a comeback goal.

It would be the Jambos who ended the game looking to double their advantage. Right-back Kevin McCann was lucky to see his wayward clearance strike the post and bounce clear.

Hearts stay in 11th place for now, but ended a 10-game winless streak. New Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen, meanwhile, will now understand how fragile confidence is within the Hibs squad at present.

Van Buyten Ready To Join Celtic On Loan Bayern Munich's Daniel van Buyten would consider a loan move to Scottish champions Celtic, stating: "Scotland

Daniel van Buyten, 29, the Belgian defender who is currently out of favour at Bayern Munich, is a transfer target for Celtic manager Gordon Strachan - and has indicated that he would be amenable to a move.

Van Buyten is due to hold talks with Bayern this week, but as coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will be leaving in the summer, to be replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann, the Bavarian club may only be prepared to consider a loan deal - unless Celtic match Bayern's reported valuation for the player of £4million.

Van Buyten told the Scottish Sun: "Celtic is one of my options.

"I have not spoken with them but I know their coach has asked for details about me.

"Scotland is a fabulous country for football and the atmosphere is great.

"I arrived at Bayern with great hopes. My objective was to win a fight to win a place in the team and play in every match.

"Unfortunately, this has not been possible and I am unhappy about the situation.

"I'm working very hard every day but the coach doesn't seem to have confidence in me.

"After I speak with Bayern I will know my future but I will discount nothing.

"There's also interested clubs in England but the final decision is down to Bayern."

McFadden: I Would Have Gone To Celtic

Birmingham’s new £6million capture James McFadden has admitted that he would have agreed to move to Celtic on loan this month.

McFadden was on the love last week, making his debut for Birmingham at home to Chelsea at the weekend. However, the lifelong Celtic fan could have been a Bhoy had things gone differently – at least on a temporary basis.

Gordon Strachan reportedly swooped with a loan approach in December, but Everton sought cash compensation and McFadden is happy with the eventual outcome.

"Celtic tried to take me on loan before the transfer window opened and I was keen on it at the time but I didn't speak with Gordon Strachan," the 24-year-old told the Daily Record.

However, I'm delighted to come to Birmingham - it will work even better for my career. This is a bigger challenge.

"I don't know what happened at the end. Celtic never came in with a bid for me then (Birmingham boss) Alex McLeish really showed he wanted me here and that was a big thing.

"I wasn't happy not playing at Everton and I did think about the option of going back to Scotland. However, I'm really delighted to be at Birmingham."

Smith Content With Second Half Improvement

Walter Smith admitted that Rangers will struggle to take the SPL title ahead of Celtic with form like they showed in the first half of the visit to Inverness.

Jean-Claude Darcheville won the match for the Gers on 89-minutes as they ground out a crucial win to go four points clear of Celtic.

“First half, certainly not,” Smith told Setanta after the game.

“But in the second-half, I felt we picked up a little bit, we looked a little bit more aware of the situation we were in and looked as if we wanted to get in there and get a goal.

“So, that was better from us, but as I say, first half we won’t get any where if we play the way we played then.”

Charlie Adam had a goal ruled offside before Rangers did eventually score, which Smith believes should have stood. The visitors were made to work hard by a stuffy Caley Thistle side and Smith was of the opinion that it took Rangers time to get going.

“It was a hard fought one I must say,” Smith admitted.

“First half of the game I thought we didn’t start well. In fact, neither side I think in the first-half would be happy with their performance. We picked up a little bit maybe after about ten or fifteen minutes of the second-half.

“After that I felt we put more pressure on Caley and we created one or two opportunities, scored what I thought was a good goal and to have it chopped off but managed to get the winner through Jean-Claude, so delighted to win as not many teams have won here this season. So we’re pleased with that.”

Newcastle Linked With Sol Campbell & Barry Robson

Kevin Keegan would like to take Portsmouth's veteran defender Sol Campbell to St James' Park.

He sees the former Arsenal and Tottenham defender as the man to help plug Newcastle's porous back-four.

And although Campbell, who played under Keegan for England, is understood to be happily settled with Pompey on the south coast and unlikely to fancy moving north at this stage of his career, the Sunday Express feels Keegan may well try to tempt him away from Fratton Park with a lucrative offer.

Keegan may have more joy with a move for Dundee United's Barry Robson.

Scottish newspaper the Daily Record says the Magpies are well aware of the Scotland midfielder's availability, and ready to make a bid to take him south of the border.

Celtic are expected to make an offer for Robson but Keegan is said to be ready to outbid the Hoops with billionaire owner Mike Ashley's backing.

Keegan has spent the last three years in Scotland with his Glasgow-based Soccer Circus project, and believes Robson can make an impact in the English Premier League.

Speculation about the Terrors' captain has intensified in recent weeks, but Keegan's return to Tyneside has brought Robson sharply into focus at St James' Park as the new manager implememts a rebuilding plan.

A source close to Robson is quoted by the Daily Record as saying: "Barry believes he can play at the highest level and there is a lot of interest in him. There is no definite contact but his ambition is to prove himself among the best.

"He'll have to weigh up his options over the next couple of days but he has never hidden his intention of being able to cut it at the highest level."

Keegan Set To Make Deco Push This Week

The Portuguese playmaker was the subject of interest from the Magpies last summer, when they also made an enquiry about the injured Edmílson.

There have been reports over the last few days that the Portuguese international is once again being eyed at Tyneside, and a concrete approach will be made this week.

With his first game out of the way, Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will start working on his transfers this week, and it is understood that he wants Deco to run the show from midfield as he tries to orchetrate free-flowing football.

Deco has a contract with Barça until 2010, but has already hinted that he may ask to leave at the end of the current season to try his luck in England.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle have drawn up a list of potential signings that could be concluded before the end of this month, and Deco is at the top of the pile.

The likes of Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Bridge, Celtic's Scott Brown, Bayern's Daniel van Buyten and Manchester United's Wes Brown are also on the wish-list.

With Newcastle owner Mike Ashley ready to splash the cash after promising Keegan money to come back as manager, but how many will arrive in January is open to debate.

Barcelona will be unlikely to even consider allowed Deco to hold talks with the Magpies mid-season as the club are still involved in three competitions, but a summer sale is very much a possibility. It is unclear, though, whether Keegan will want to wait that long.

Scotland - Premier League

1 Rangers FC 53
2 Celtic FC 46
3 Dundee United FC 38
4 Motherwell FC 35
5 Aberdeen FC 33
6 Falkirk FC 32
7 Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC 31
8 Hibernian FC 28
9 Heart of Midlothian FC 27
10 Saint Mirren FC 25
11 Kilmarnock FC 22
12 Gretna FC 13

Rangers' Cup Clash Called Off Rangers' Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash with minnows East Stirlingshire has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Rangers' encounter with the Shire has become the latest game to fall foul of the weekend weather, with the Sunday match being postponed until further notice.

The Third Division outfit were set for a major Scottish Cup payday at Ibrox due to a live television broadcast of the Scottish Cup match, but this has now been thrown into jeopardy.

Rangers are currently discussing a possible rescheduling with the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football Association, but finding a new matchdate could be difficult: the replay window of 23rd January is currently occupied by a rearranged Old Firm fixture with Celtic.

The Gers, who top the Scottish Premier League, sit forty league places above the Falkirk side, who are 8th of 10 in the Third Division.

O’Neill: Squad Is Too Thin For Europe

Villa currently sit 6th, level on points with Liverpool, who they play on Monday night, but the former Celtic boss is aware that he has the smallest squad in the Premiership at his disposal and knows that should they qualify, they would need to add to the playing staff.

"We still have time to adjust our squad in time to compete in Europe - but we couldn't cope with that now. I think that is pretty obvious" he said.

"We have 22 players to choose from at the moment, three of which are goalkeepers while Steve O'Halloran is out on loan so we haven't the strength to cope with that yet.

"Our luck has been so far in terms of that we have had few serious injuries. If we had the number of injuries, for example, that West Ham have had this season we couldn't cope with that."

O’Neill has 11 days left of the January transfer window if he is to add anybody to the Villains squad this season. He has been linked with a move for Sevilla full back Jose Angel Crespo.

"The size of the squad is something we are going to try to address if we can. We are working on bringing players in. It was hard enough last year. It is not easy" he explained.

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