Just how good are The Invincibles?
BRENDAN RODGERS and his players are edging ever closer to winning the Treble and going through the season unbeaten in domestic football.
If all their targets are achieved, it’s been said they should be called The Invincibles.
They deserve that glorious tag – and I back them to go all the way.
I can see them winning the lot and not losing a game.
They still face some tricky hurdles, and the remaining games against Rangers will be their stiffest tests.
The only way I can see them losing is if they have to play on a rotten surface as the season winds down.
A team might need to put a tractor on the pitch before they are due to play Celtic, as Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoy a good surface for their passing game.
Even then, though, they still have players who can mix it up and overcome different sets of circumstances.
If they go the whole way they deserve to be called The Invincibles. Why not?
I wouldn’t call them that for the rest of time in the way the Lisbon Lions are remembered. But they’d certainly deserve it for the next wee while.
Their only disappointment has been the Champions League campaign. But it was a success for them just to get there after missing out the previous two years.
In Scotland, they have been superior to every other side and Scott Brown has led by example. For me, he has been their main man.
As captain, he epitomises everything that’s been good about the team this season. He has made sure the team has been driven on every week and his hunger for success is clear to see.
While he’s the lynchpin, every first-team player has played a part, and here are my thoughts on each of them.
CRAIG GORDON He hasn’t been under pressure in too many games, but has made crucial saves. Hass been rewarded with a new contract and deservedly so. Credit to him for the consistency he has shown, considering where his career was four or five years ago through injury.
MIKAEL LUSTIG A very steady performer. He has been a fine servant and it’s clear the SPFL Premiership doesn’t frighten him. He retains his concentration levels well because a lot of the time the
ball is in the opposition half.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO It took him a wee bit of time to find his feet when he signed in January of last year. It just goes to show the benefits of getting a preseason at a new club. Composed on the ball, he’s money well spent.nt.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC He has all the attributes, and I think would be the first-choice centre-back. A lot of clubs are showing an interest and that’s not surprising. He is part of a solid unit and a player the club will want to keep.
KOLO TOURE Was wonderful in his first few months and played a huge part in the Champions League qualification. He hasn’t played as much since the turn of
the year, but he will still be a brilliant person just to have in the dressing-room and on the training ground.
DEDRYCK BOYATA Didn’t look as though he had a future but has obviously workeded hard and made a positive impression on the manager and staff. Is now an integral part of the team, defends well andd is also a threat at set-pieces.
KIERAN TIERNEY The teenager has been outstanding. He is solid and confident and whips in a lovely cross with his left peg. A huge asset and it’s nice to see a local lad progress. Interesting to see how his career unfolds in next year or so.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE Had to step in when Tierney was injured and didn’t let the side down. A great professional who never complains, just gets on with his job. It’s important to have guys like that in the squad.
SCOTT BROWN A brilliant leader and has been the main man. His role is not a glamorous one, but he gets about the pitch and gets his job done with the minimum of fuss. He pulls the strings and his contribution has been magnificent.
NIR BITTON Has the height and physique every modern-day midfielder would love to have. Reads the game well, has a good set of lungs and also chips in with a goal now again, usually a ripper from 25 yards.
DARREN McGREGOR He has been moved about in the past three years to different positions, but has played in a more central role under Brendan. Has a nice wee turn of pace and lovely left foot. Always carries a goal threat.
STUART ARMSTRONG He has been magnificent in the second half of the season. Has been strong and purposeful and scored important goals and chipped in with assists. He responded well to the new coaching staff at Celtic.
JAMES FORREST Has an excellent burst of pace and loves to dribble. He used to hug the touchline, but he comes inside more and I like that variation in his game. Defenders are definitely scared of him and that says it all.
TOM ROGIC I like the presence he has on the field, and he always appears to be composed. He has enjoyed the No. 10 role in games this season, and finds space well to make space for scoring opportunities. Capable of spectacular goals.
PATRICK ROBERTS
Usually comes off the bench for the final 20 minutes when everybody in the opposition is knackered. He still developing but has many attributes. He is another reason why the Celtic squad is a distance ahead.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS Was the top man last season, but not in the spotlight as much in this campaign. He might just be feeling it a wee bit more than most and will be determined to play a huge part in the remaining games.
SCOTT SINCLAIR His career stalled a wee bit at Aston Villa, but he has hit the heights again under the coaching staff at Celtic. Has played a vital role in the club’s success and I like the variation in his play as he can go past defenders on either side and score cracking goals.
MOUSSA DEMBELE Started on fire but has dipped now and again, which is to be expected. He sett the bar so high, it was impossible for him maintain that every week. A brilliant finisher and it’s no wonder big clubs are interested.