RONNY’S RICH PICKINGS
Deila spoiled for choice in midfield as Mackay-Steven and Co bring magic
FOR the first time in the vigorous five-match winning streak with which they have opened 2016, Celtic didn’t even need a goal from Leigh Griffiths.
After his recent, record-shattering form, Griffiths can be forgiven a quieter outing. This rare malfunction of the striker’s penalty-box sat-nav will hardly threaten his undisputed place at the apex of Ronny Deila’s 4-2-3-1 system.
More complex is the jostling for places directly behind Griffiths at this crucial juncture of the season. If competition is healthy, then Celtic are bursting with vitality when it comes to attacking midfielders. The potential arrival of Patrick Roberts on loan from Manchester City would only add to an already populous cast list.
Gary Mackay-Steven did more than score his first two goals of the season on Saturday. His all-round display delivered a much-needed reminder of how thrillingly effective he can be. This was a re-emergence of the quicksilver winger who invigorated Deila’s team after his switch from Dundee United 11 months ago.
The same could be said for Stuart Armstrong. A more consistent, less mercurial performer than his sidekick, Armstrong has still left the suspicion he could do more to really influence games given his depth of talent. A beautifully executed volley against Saints brought his first goal since August.
In between the two ex-Tannadice players, Callum McGregor extended his first-team renaissance before making way for Scott Allan. Later still, a new name was added into the mix when Ryan Christie replaced Armstrong to make his Celtic debut.
Neither Kris Commons nor Tom Rogic were part of the weekend squad, while Stefan Johansen continued to cover a deeper role in the absence of Scott Brown. And let’s not forget James Forrest, who has been offered a new four-year contract to keep him at the club.
There could be nine contenders competing primarily for three places if the entire squad is fit. That in itself may present a challenge for Deila’s management. But one thing it will ensure is a complete absence of complacency. Simply grabbing a jersey has become a feat in itself.
McGregor feels the scenario can drive standards upwards as Celtic prepare for a key double-header in their bid to win the Treble.
Sunday’s League Cup semi-final meeting with Ross County is followed three days later by a Premiership visit to Aberdeen, currently six points adrift in second place.
‘There is great competition and it can only be good for the squad and everyone in it,’ argued McGregor. ‘It keeps everyone on their toes.
‘We have a big couple of weeks coming up. If everyone is on top form in training and in games, then we can push each other. That just leads to better performances.
‘It is just up to whoever has got the jersey to keep it. That means working hard in training and doing well in games.
‘It has been good to get a run in the team — to be scoring goals, making goals and doing well for the side. That is something like 11 games in a row I have started. It is great for me confidence-wise. I am just going to try to kick on and keep going.’
McGregor’s initial emergence under Deila even led to a Scotland call-up, only for him to fade from the first-team picture. He can therefore empathise with Mackay-Steven, who has now banked back-to-back starts after a frustrating few months.
‘I know what he’s been through,’ said McGregor. ‘It’s not a great feeling when you are sitting watching.
‘It’s credit to him. He has been working hard in training. He got his chance and scored a couple of goals. I’m delighted for him.’
A further midfield addition could soon be made as Deila is pondering whether to sign Croatian trialist Ljuban Crepulja. The 22-year-old’s facial resemblance to Lionel Messi has not gone unnoticed.
‘It is quite scary actually,’ grinned McGregor. ‘I hope he’s not like him on the pitch or it wouldn’t be good for me! No, I think he is more defensive. He has been good. He is a nice, technical player and has looked sharp in training. He is just another one we can keep an eye on.’
One signing Celtic have already secured this month, £1.5million Danish centre-half Erik Sviatchenko, was paraded on the pitch before kick-off. Addressing the crowd, he spoke of his aim to gain a regular place in the team as soon as possible.
An unconvincing display by Jozo Simunovic may have given him quiet encouragement. The Croatian was unsettled on several occasions by Rangers target Michael O’Halloran.
The concerns Celtic faced were only fleeting. On the front foot for the vast majority of the game, an occasional over-elaborateness may have denied them further goals.
Mackay-Steven was first to strike, tucking away after a Griffiths’ effort had been blocked.
Saints, though, rapidly hit back. O’Halloran evaded Kieran Tierney and Simunovic on a surge down the right, crossing low for Steven MacLean to finish at the near post. It was the Perth side’s first goal since December 5.
Celtic increased the pressure and gained their reward in fine style just before half-time. Mackay-Steven sent Mikael Lustig scampering to dink in a cross from the bye-line. Armstrong showed lovely control on his first-time conversion.
The points that restored decent breathing space at the Premiership summit were secured 10 minutes after the restart. Johansen’s throughball may or may not have been aimed at Griffiths, but Mackay-Steven wasn’t waiting to find out. Already on the move, he got to it ahead of the top scorer before finishing crisply.
The winger looks to be back in business. Collectively, Celtic will feel very much the same way if they come through the next 10 days unscathed.