Toss of coin for Old Firm contrast

ANOTHER interesting few days for Glasgow’s big two, with conflicting atmospheres at the training grounds at the beginning of the week.

The mood in the Celtic camp would have been flat.

From his post-match comments, Neil Lennon was not happy with the team as a whole, although he should have been grateful to Odsonne Edouard and Diego Laxalt for getting the goals which gave the Hoops a 2-2 draw against Hibs.

There seemed to be others whose form pleased him less but with a crucial match coming up against Sparta Prague on Thursday in the Czech Republic, it would have been crucial for the manager to maintain morale.

Unfortunately, on the night, Sparta always looked that bit sharper, ending Celtic’s participation in Europe for this season with another 4-1 victory.

Celtic fans would have been fuming with their team’s performance and we have found the critical comments about the manager on social media increasing in the days following that defeat.

By contrast, the Rangers training ground at the beginning of the week would have been much the happier, except perhaps for Alfredo Morelos, who did seem to be too pleased to be substituted on Sunday.

Unfortunately, at least to this observer, the Colombian was not pulling his weight against Aberdeen.

He was certainly played against Benfica at Ibrox, where for 75 or so minutes, Rangers looked in complete control and were 2-0 up.

But, from then on, defensive frailties surfaced, allowing a little space to the Portuguese and they took advantage of some slack play to get the goals which gave them a draw.

A disappointing evening for the Light Blues fans but at least they are still in the competition.

Back in 1969, I took part in a European Cup tie with Benfica.

Celtic won the first leg 3-0 at Parkhead on November 12.

Unfortunately, in the second leg, we did not rise to the challenge and were beaten 3-0.

At the end of extra-time, it was still 3-3, so the match had to be decided by the toss of a coin with Jock Stein and Billy McNeill letting us know in the dressing room after. We won and it was a memorable occasion.

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