INTER AT THE DOUBLE
Hoops crash but are boosted by Dedryk comeback
Celtic’s supporting cast were given a stage to impress on against Inter Milan.
But despite their efforts against the Italians, it’s unlikely that any of them will be given a Champions League starring role against Hapoel Beer Sheva on Wednesday night.
For all it’s faults, the International Champions Cup gave some Hoops’ extras the chance to shine.
And a few of them – such as Saidy Janko, Kristoffer Ajer and young Jamie McCart – put in impressive performances in Ireland.
But the truth is, under the lights at Parkhead when the Israeli champions come to town, Brendan Rodgers will turn to his main men.
Celtic’s second string were defeated by Eder’s first half header and Antonio Candreva’s delicious chip.
But the result was irrelevant. The major plus for Rodgers was the return of Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata from injury.
And the negative was that fringe men such as Stefan Johansen, Emilio Izaguirre and Stuart Armstrong failed to grasp an opportunity to give their manager a European headache.
Never has the peculiarity of this International Champions Cup been highlighted more than yesterday.
On the eve of a critical Champions League qualifier–and with their domestic season in full swing – Celtic found themselves at Thomond Park , home of the Munster rugby side.
Rodgers could have done without this ‘glamour’ friendly, with Hapoel Beer Sheva just around the corner.
The fact that Celtic’s flight yesterday was full of kids and fringe players was clear confirmation of that.
And seeing Nadir Ciftci lead the team out with the captain’s armband? Well, that just put the tin lid on it.
You had to wonder if this game wasn’t being played in Ireland whether Rodgers himself would have even turned up.
But he was in demand prior to kick-off, signing autographs for locals who might have felt a bit short-changed at the sight of Celtic’s shadow squad.
Rodgers had to prioritise, though, with Hapoel in mind.
And most of his starting line-up here face a fight to be part of his long-term plans at Parkhead.
Back home, the club were announcing that veteran keeper Dorus De Vries had penned a two-year deal.
But with Craig Gordon being rested, Italian shot-stopper Leo Fasan was given a game against his countrymen.
And one, if not the only, positive about having this f ixture was that it gave comeback man Boyata a much needed run-out in defence.
He lined up in the middle alongside youngster McCart, with Janko and Izaguirre as full-backs.
In midfield Ajer anchored, with Johansen and Liam Henderson advanced while Ciftci was supported up front by Ryan Christie and Armstrong on the flanks. At least for Inter, the match was part of their preparation for the start of their Serie A campaign.
Roberto Mancini was bulleted as gaffer earlier in the summer after heavy friendly defeats to Spurs, PSG and Bayern Munich.
But new coach Frank de Boer – who was roundly booed by the Celtic support who remembered his Ibrox past – had what looked like an easier task. The Dutchman spent last season at Ajax and masterminded their 2-1 Europa League victory over Celts at Parkhead in November. Only Boyata and Armstrong from that tie were involved here with Rodgers’ key men left in Glasgow.
But Inter looked strong with household names such as Gary Medel, Ivan Perisic and Mauro Icardi all featuring.
And it was the Italians who threatened first through Argentine midfielder Ever Banega. He arrived late in Celtic’s box and got a terrific shot away but Fasan pulled off a stunning save.
You sensed it might be a busy afternoon for the goalie and he needed his legs to deny Croatia’s Euro 2016 star Perisic.
He was then helpless from a corner as Andrea Ranocchia’s header beat him but Johansen did well to clear off the line.
The whole occasion had an exhibition feel to it yet Rodgers was off his seat in the dugout when his team carved out the game’s best chance.
Johansen fed Ciftci and his back-heel put Armstrong through but the midfielder produced a poor f inish as Samir Handanovic kept him out.
That was a rare moment of potency from Celtic, though, and Inter got the opener
from a set-piece on the stroke of half-time.
Fasan had denied Banega again but from the resultant corner, Perisic stooped to flick a header to the back post where Eder was there to nod home.
It was a cheap goal for Rodgers’ side to concede, especially just seconds before the break.
Efe Ambrose couldn’t even get a start for Celtic’s second string but he was introduced for the second half in place of Boyata who had got 45 minutes under his belt. The big Nigerian normally makes headlines for what he does – or doesn’t – do in his own box.
Here, he should have made it 1-1 when he ventured into Inter’s but his header flew over
Rodgers’ men were looking more dangerous. A cracking move, which ended with Ciftci ’s 16- yard volley clipping the top of the bar, was their best passage of play so far.
But that only seemed to jolt the Italians into action and they went 2- 0 up not long after. Ciftci had gone down earlier with a shoulder injury and he pulled up again chasing a ball at the edge of the Inter box. The Italians broke quickly and Icardi picked out sub Candreva whose chip over Fasan was worth the admission money. The Irish crowd were desperate for a Celtic goal and youngster Jack Aitchison added a bit of vibrancy from the bench. But Rodgers will just be glad the game is out the way and he can fully focus on what really matters – that vital play-off tie on Wednesday night.