Shaun his way at last
bad-tempered matches 33 years ago. The bitter feud still lingered when they met in the Europa League in 2009 but it wasn’t hanging over this pre-match kickabout.
Instead it was two sides who can see the starting line coming into sight that gave this game a tasty edge.
It was about as tough a workout for Celtic as they could have wished for at this stage of the summer as Rapid were quick and slick right from the off.
The Austrians are a week ahead of the Hoops and Rodgers’ side looked a little sluggish. The slick passing out from the back was a tad out of sync and they continually gave the ball away in dangerous areas.
The Parkhead men struggled to keep possession and were lucky not to be further behind at the break.
Gordon made a few smart stops but was also guilty of gifting Stefan Schwab a chance with a duffed clearance.
The keeper was relieved when the midfielder’s dinked chip came back off the post. Celts couldn’t really get going and a Stuart Armstrong shot that was dragged wide was about it in terms of attacking intent.
Instead it was Rapid making the quick progress and they went ahead in the final seconds of the first half.
It was another chance wrapped up in a big bow as Boyata’s woeful backpass went straight to Joelinton and the big striker skipped around Gordon and hit the deck after a tap on his shin. The Brazilian slotted the penalty and no one in green and white could have grumbled at being behind.
The Austr ians made 10 changes at the break while Rodgers waited until the hour before sending out an entirely different side.
The f leet of subs can sometimes sink the shape of a game but the replacements were the men to make the breakthrough.
Hayes burst in to the box and was t r ipped by Manuel Thurnwald. Dembele did the
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rest, slamming his spot- kick into the corner like he had never been away.
Rodgers admit ted the post-match huddle on the pitch was a giant pat on the back for his troops.
He said: “I just wanted to reinforce the well done. We had a good second half in a game that was a good test for us against a good side.
“I just said well done, well played. We’re finding our feet in terms of our physicality. We can’t forget how we play the game tactically.”
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Pittodrie with talks under way with Preston North End in a bid to land the former St Johnstone striker.
The Dons have already agreed terms with Maloney, 34, and the out-of-contract playmaker is scheduled to have a medical today.
Hull had been hopeful of retaining the player after offering a one-year contract extension following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
However, the former Celtic and Scotland ace should be formally unveiled at Aberdeen tomorrow.
Speaking after yesterday’s 3- 0 friendly victory over St Johnstone, McInnes said: “We’ve been going at Shaun’s pace, out of respect for making his decision and dealing with Hull.
“But, all going well, we’ll maybe be able to make an announcement at the beginning of the week.
“I’m confident of getting him but we’ve been here before – until somebody signs you’re not certain.
“But I feel I’ll be able to speak a bit more about it at the beginning of the week.”
May i s another on Aberdeen’s radar and an offer has been made for the 24-year-old Scotland cap.
But with Preston without a boss after Simon Grayson’s departure for Sunderland – the job McInnes recently turned down – the Dons gaffer was unwilling to stick his neck out and say that a deal can be struck.
He said: “I’m reluctant to speak too much about it. My regard for him is well known but he’s Preston’s player.
“He’s somebody we’ve had conversations about with them but they’ve got a bit to sort out themselves.
“It’s their call ultimately and, obviously, they’ve got a manager to appoint.”
Former Dons defender Kevin McNaughton played as a trialist yesterday but the 34-year-old has just been training with the club and is not a transfer target.
McInnes, who revealed 27-year-old defender Berkay Dabanli would stay on trial, said: “I’d like to bring in another centre forward, a wide player and defender.” MISMATCH OF DAY: P69