Celtic fans slam James Forrest after the 1-1 draw against Hibernian

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Some Celtic fans have taken to Twitter to slam James Forrest for his performance in the 1-1 draw against Hibernian.

The 28-year-old was making his seventh league start of the campaign, having already netted two goals in the Scottish Premiership so far this season – Forrest has eight goals in all competitions for the Bhoys this term.

However, he wasn’t at his best against Hibernian.

The Scotland international was subbed off in the 84th minute of what was a disappointing draw, a result which has allowed Rangers to make up some ground in the title race.

Kristoffer Ajer’s own goal in the eighth minute opened the scoring, before Ryan Christie’s 11th goal of the campaign levelled things up on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately for Neil Lennon’s side however, they could not find a second goal, with some fans pointing the finger at Forrest.

One supporter said that the forward was “well off it” against Hibs, whereas another said that he should be dropped.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

Liverpool fans full of praise for Jurgen Klopp after he wins prize

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Jurgen Klopp has been named as the Premier League Manager of the Month for August and Liverpool fans believe it is no less than he deserves.

The German has overseen a brilliant start to the season, with Liverpool winning four from four, scoring 12 and conceding only three, a record no other team has been able to match. They currently sit atop the table, two points clear of reigning champions Manchester City.

Despite the notable success since his arrival in England, Klopp was won the award just twice previously, in March of this year and in December 2018.

He is already loved by Reds fans, and in winning a sixth Champions League title he has arguably elevated himself to icon status at the club, which would become even more substantial if he won the coveted Premier League title.

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And many fans are in awe of their manager and have used the occasion to heap praise onto him.

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Everton’s Marco Silva hails "fantastic professional" Theo Walcott

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Marco Silva has praised Theo Walcott and believes he is a great example for other players in his squad to follow.

What’s he said?

Walcott has largely been out of Silva’s plans over the last few months, and this term has found himself completely out of the matchday squad on occasion, playing only 56 minutes so far. That is mostly due to the form of Richarlison, who has three goals and one assist.

Despite sitting out, Walcott has remained professional and is ready whenever Silva calls on him, and the Portuguese is impressed by the character he has shown.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Silva said: “[He is a] fantastic professional. He is an example for some of the others to look at.

“Of course, he was not happy but what I can tell you is that when the chance comes to him again he will be ready because of the way he works.”

The former Hull manager accepts that certain players, name-checking Tom Davies, will be unhappy due to their lack of game time, but made it clear that there is a right way to respond, and implied that if his players show the right attitude they will get their reward.

Role model

Since joining the Toffees in January 2018 Walcott has failed to impress fans, and therefore it is fair that he hasn’t featured too often.

Despite that, some senior pros would kick up a fuss over a lack of game time, but the former Arsenal star has done no such thing.

The likes of Davies and Mason Holgate should look up to Walcott and the positive attitude he has displayed, as there is always a chance an opportunity could come their way, as Silva alludes to.

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By comparison, Ademola Lookman struggled to deal with his frustrations whilst at Everton and decided a move away would be best, but so far he has played only once for his new team, and he faces the challenge of impressing a new manager and starting from scratch once more.

The fringe players at Goodison Park may, therefore, be better suited to biding their time, as it may not be long until they’re called upon.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith should try this alternative starting XI

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Aston Villa have endured a torrid time in the Premier League so far this season and it doesn’t get any easier with trips to both Arsenal and Manchester City rapidly approaching.

They have managed to pick up just one victory in the league from a possible five and Monday night’s 0-0 stalemate with West Ham United only highlighted the problems Dean Smith has to deal with.

Villa still struggled to take a strong grip on the match when Arthur Masuaku was sent off with 23 minutes remaining.

The biggest problem has to be in attack considering the west Midlands club are tied first for the highest number of clean sheets so far this season with two.

Their wingers are yet to really get off the mark, picking up just a single goal and assist between the three of them, so maybe it is time to ditch them altogether.

Here’s an alternative look at how Smith should line up this season, removing the width and instead focusing on a narrow solution.

The most significant change is the difference in formation, but the back five should remain as it is – with the addition of Matt Targett once he has recovered from injury.

A lack of width could well become a problem, but not if the full-backs get up the pitch and the likes of Jota and Jack Grealish are given a free role in attacking midfield, which would allow them to drift wide if need be.

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We’ve previously highlighted why Marvelous Nakamba is the ideal man to anchor the midfield and his performance against the Hammers further strengthened that claim, earning a WhoScored rating of 7.35 after recording a 100% tackle success rate and dribble rate.

Conor Hourihane could come back into the starting lineup having done no wrong against Tottenham Hotspur recording a rating of 7.06, and he’s able to sit deeper if John McGinn wanted to join the attack too.

Wesley is the only decent striking option until January at the very least so he will have to suffice for the time being.

Something needs to change at Villa as the current system clearly isn’t working in the Premier League.

Villa fans react to Bertrand Traore injury

Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore appears to have suffered a fresh injury while on international duty with Burkina Faso, as reported by Birmingham Live.

As to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

The 26-year-old has struggled to get his 2021/22 campaign going after suffering a hamstring injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Liverpool back in August.

He is yet to start a Premier League game this season but did feature against Everton and Tottenham as a substitute prior to the current international break.

However, it seems as if Traore has picked up a new problem, with Birmingham Live claiming that he missed Burkina Faso’s 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday due to injury.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the news regarding Traore on Twitter on Monday afternoon. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with many frustrated and one labelling the winger as a ‘class player’ while lamenting his injury record.

“Here we go again”

Credit: @deep_645

“Oh”

Credit: @DG_Avfc_2

“Is our whole squad just broken”

Credit: @roberton_sj

“Class player… Made out of Weetabix.”

Credit: @STRACH_AVFC

“No luck fc”

Credit: @buendiazboyz

“El Ghazi to the rescue!”

Credit: @hafizstar

In other news: Smith looking to pip Arteta again as Aston Villa eye move for ace who has the same agency as Mings

Celtic: Brady could be their new McGeady

A claim on Celtic transfer target Robbie Brady has emerged which could be music to Ange Postecoglou’s ears at Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

Celtic have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the free agent with Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock playing down a deal for the winger.

Warnock has hailed the Republic of Ireland international whilst all but ruling out a move for him due to his lack of fitness.

He told Teeside Live, via the Daily Record: “I didn’t see us linked with him, if I’m honest. Robbie Brady is a tremendous left-sided player with stacks of ability.

“I was surprised when he left Burnley. In fact, I think he was offered a new contract, so I’m not sure his agent has got it right for him. We are looking for that type of player on that side, out of contract.

“But you’ve got to be so careful because players like that won’t have been involved in any training with a squad and they’ll be behind. They’ll be training on their own.

McGeady 2.0

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou must take advantage of Boro’s disinterest to secure a deal to sign Brady in the coming months as he could unearth another Aiden McGeady for the Hoops. An Irish winger with ‘stacks of ability’ and an eye for flair… sound familiar Celtic fans?

After coming up through the ranks at the club, McGeady enjoyed a terrific spell in the first-team before heading out to Russia to join Spartak Moscow for a club record – at the time – fee of £10.80m in 2010. The tricky forward registered seven goals and 14 assists in his last season at the club and, amazingly, is the only natural wide player Celtic have ever sold for more than £1m.

This suggests that Celtic have struggled to find effective wingers who have attracted serious interest from elsewhere since selling McGeady. James Forrest has stayed loyal to the club throughout his career, with over 400 appearances, but it is unclear whether a realistic opportunity to join a Premier League club has ever appeared.

In Brady, Postecoglou could find a talented winger with the ability to beat players and get fans off their seats, much like his fellow countryman McGeady was able to do back in the day. The versatile left-footer endured a difficult, injury-hit, spell with Burnley in the Premier League, but previously stood out for Hull and Norwich.

Brady scored seven and assisted eight in 62 matches for the Canaries, playing at left-back and left-midfield as he featured in both the Premier League and Championship. This highlights both his versatility and his ability to score and create goals, having also provided 14 goals and 21 assists during his time at Hull, whilst using his skills on the ball to open up space and excite supporters.

His set-piece delivery, highlighted in this impressive clip from Norwich’s YouTube channel in 2015, also shows some off the flair he could bring to make Celtic Park go crazy.

Therefore, Postecoglou could find a new wing wizard for his side by snapping up the silky free agent, having now been boosted by the news that Middlesbrough are not actively trying to sign him. Fans would surely love someone running rampant down the left like McGeady.

AND in other news, Celtic might be set for big boost after Hoops news emerges, fans should be buzzing…

Wolves FIFA 22 ratings leaked

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as some ratings for their players in the video game FIFA 22 have been ‘leaked’.

The makers of FIFA 22 have been ‘leaking’ ratings of some players ahead of the game’s launch, with Lionel Messi being the highest-rated player at 93.

Talking Wolves have now shared some ‘leaked’ ratings for some Molineux players, with the highest rating being given to Raul Jimenez at 83.

Several Wolves fans are particularly angry at the ratings rumoured to be given to Ruben Neves (82), Pedro Neto (78) and Adama Traore (78), as they feel those figures are not a true reflection on the players’ ability.

Nonetheless, it will no doubt be interesting to see how their ratings compare to other players in the Premier League once the full game is released.

Wolves fans on FIFA 22 ratings

These supporters of the Molineux club fumed as the rumoured ratings were shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that Traore’s rating is ‘insane’:

“Neto at 78 is a DISGRACE by the way”

Credit: @ry_mcflyy

“Neto at 78 is a complete joke.”

Credit: @cpj93070

“Neto 78, Adama 78 and Neves 82. Jokers”

Credit: @kyleprentice99

“FIFA only bothers with the big teams. If Neto had gone to Liverpool in the summer he would be 83.”

Credit: @Ashley19345299

“78 for Traore is insane”

Credit: @ChrisSuarez26

“Neves not 87+ is no joke genuinely criminal”

Credit: @JHayess8

In other news, find out what Bruno Lage comments have left these Wolves fans gushing

Celtic must axe McCarthy vs Raith Rovers

Life under Ange Postecoglou for Celtic has been a topsy-turvy state of affairs.

The Hoops began their new era by exiting Europe’s premier competition and struggling to sign new players.

However, life on that front improved pretty rapidly with Celtic sealing their pathway to the Europa League group stages and signing 12 first-team bodies.

Sadly, proceedings at Parkhead have gone downhill again.

On the chalkboard

Celtic began their Europa League group stage campaign just under a week ago with a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Real Betis.

We championed the idea of James McCarthy starting in that game and after Ismaila Soro narrowly escaped a red card before being substituted, that theory looked correct.

The Irishman did eventually earn his first Celtic start in the 1-0 loss to Livingston last Sunday.

It was a bad day at the office for the vast majority of the players who pulled on a Hoops jersey but at the top of the pile was McCarthy.

It’s important not to overreact because he’s not had a full pre-season but the early signs for the midfielder don’t look good.

Reports have emerged claiming that he’s struggling with the pace and intensity of Postecoglou’s methods while it’s also thought that the Australian and his recruitment team weren’t so keen on signing the free agent.

Yet, with Callum McGregor missing due to injury against Livi, he had to play.

McCarthy was incredibly disappointing, conceding possession 15 times despite playing a relatively low-risk style.

He only managed nine passes that took other opponents out of the game, meaning his pass success rate of 86% isn’t actually that eye-catching.

The Republic of Ireland international was too safe with his methods which when they were chasing the match, isn’t ideal.

Furthermore, the £2.7m-rated international had an xG and an xA of zero, capping off a mediocre display at the office.

With that in mind, Postecoglou should consider axing him from the starting XI against Raith Rovers on Thursday evening, that’s despite previously dubbing him “first-class.”

The opposition are from the Championship but it will be important for the manager to integrate McGregor as quickly as possible.

He is set to be fit for the clash on Thursday night and judging by McCarthy’s only start for the club, he doesn’t deserve another one for a long period of time.

AND in other news, Celtic suffer another big injury setback, Postecoglou will be gutted…

Goalkeeper Sergio Rico nearing remarkable PSG return after somehow surviving horrific horse and cart accident & subsequent brain aneurysm

Sergio Rico is reportedly nearing a remarkable return to PSG after somehow surviving a horrific horse and cart accident & subsequent brain aneurysm.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Rico set to return to training
  • Spanish goalkeeper awaiting medical clearance
  • Set to offer competition to Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma
  • Getty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    In a heartwarming turn of events, Rico is on the verge of making a remarkable comeback to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after a challenging nine-month absence from football, reported

    Rico's journey back to the pitch follows a harrowing accident on May 28, 2023, when he suffered a fall from a horse, resulting in a cerebral aneurysm, a life-threatening condition that necessitated immediate surgery.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite enduring significant injuries and a lengthy rehabilitation process, Rico has exhibited remarkable resilience and determination. During his 82-day hospitalisation, he faced daunting physical challenges, including a staggering weight loss of 19 kilograms (approximately 42 pounds). However, his unwavering commitment to returning to peak physical condition has seen him regain 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) of lost weight, a testament to his strength and resolve.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The severity of Rico's condition led to a critical 26-day period in which he was placed in an induced coma to manage the cranioencephalic trauma caused by the fall. This phase was pivotal for Rico's recovery, allowing his body to heal under intensive medical supervision.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    If Rico receives medical clearance to resume training with PSG, it will mark a significant milestone in his recovery journey. Upon returning to training he will provide competition to PSG's top two choices – Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

McLeish: Gers could struggle to keep Kamara

Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish has claimed that there could be a ‘big move in the offing’ for Glen Kamara in the coming months.

The Lowdown: Talks ongoing

The 25-year-old has been at Ibrox since signing from Dundee United in 2019 and has since made 113 appearances for the club, winning the Premiership last season.

The Finland international previously confirmed that talks were ‘ongoing’ over a new contract to see him remain at Ibrox beyond his current contract expiry and the midfielder attracted transfer interest over the summer after impressing for Steven Gerrard’s side last season.

The midfielder, whose current deal lasts until 2023, has started every league game so far this season and he only missed five games last term.

The Latest: McLeish suggests Gers could struggle to keep Kamara

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish has claimed that getting Kamara on a new deal would be a ‘priority’ for the Gers, who he feels may find it difficult to refuse a lucrative transfer offer for the midfielder.

The former Ibrox manager added: “They have done well to tie one or two others down so I would think he would be a priority.

“If not, it only leaves the speculation that possibly there’s a big move in the offing for him. One, perhaps, that Rangers can’t say no to.

“There’s got to be situations like that will crop in the next year or two for Rangers, while they continue to assess the market themselves.”

The Verdict: Stick or twist

Rangers will have to assess the situation from their point of view, deciding whether they should make a huge profit on the £50,000 they paid for Kamara or secure his services for a few more years.

The midfielder currently earns £6.2k-per-week at Ibrox, but after enduring a successful stint in Scotland, a move elsewhere could be on the cards, especially if prospective suitors offer him a much larger package.

Last season, Kamara completed 91% of his passes and won 4.1 duels per game in an impressive campaign for him. His partnership with Steven Davis in midfield was pivotal to the dominance of the league by Gerrard’s side and the club will surely be hoping to keep him on for more seasons.

As McLeish has said, tying him down to a new deal should be a priority, as otherwise the club may be presented with offers that they can’t refuse.

In other Rangers news, some fans were left unimpressed with one defender’s performance against St Johnstone. Find out more here.

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