Monday Morning round up

Derek Riordan struck a spectacular 79th-minute equaliser as Celtic claimed a 1-1 draw from a tougher-than-expected pre-season friendly against Chicago Fire at Bridgeview, Illinois today.
Fire, inspired by new signing Cuauhtemoc Blanco, dominated for large periods and took the lead when the Mexican legend was rewarded for his efforts after 30 minutes.
Celtic fought back in the second half and levelled when substitute Riordan let fly with a volley late on.
Scott McDonald could have snatched victory for Gordon Strachan's side but shot straight at Jon Busch.

Chicago were strong in defence and almost broke through after a cagey opening when Calen Carr struck the crossbar from a Blanco pass after 23 minutes.
It was left to Blanco to take charge and he put his new side ahead when he burst into the box and coolly took the ball round Artur Boruc.
Blanco tired and was replaced after 57 minutes as one of a number of changes by both teams.

Riordan's introduction provided the spark Celtic needed and a good move initiated by the former Hibernian player ended with McDonald having a shot saved by Busch.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's follow-up was also blocked but Riordan's equaliser was not long in coming

It was a poor performance from Celtic, and Chicago Fire had done their homework. Although it is not hard to exploit space from a midfield consisting of four central players spread in a line! Fire’s ability to effortlessly stretch Celtic in all areas of the field was a little alarming to say the least!

Onto other news; Wee Deek has been plastered (sic) all over the back pages of the tabloids yet again (although this time it isn’t his fault) after being linked with a move to Norwich. A bid of 500,000 was supposedly tabled but with no confirmation from either club or the player himself this is probably just lazy journalism.

Signing target update: Celtic been reportedly linked with (look away bears) P>S>G’s right back Bernard Mendy. Mendy said: "Celtic are a great club and I would certainly consider the option of a move. I like British football and I enjoyed my spell on loan at Bolton in season 2002-03." He added: "The possibility of playing in the Champions League again is extremely attractive. However, at this stage, I have not been informed of any official offer from Celtic.
But I have heard that Paris St Germain are looking for a new right back.
My contract finishes in June 2008 and, while I am happy to remain here and and give my all for the club until then, I must be open to offers."

And finally, the news at the weekend that Strachan is apparently looking for a right-sided midfielder and wing back cover is a little bemusing for most. Leaving aside the much-debated issue of most fans hoping we would purchase an experienced centre half, WTF are we looking at yet another Midfielder? And why oh why oh why are we looking for a right midfielder? This is the position normally taken by a left sided midfielder so is WGS actually going to start playing players in their preferred and more potent positions or will he sign a right midfielder to play in defence?

Or maybe he will have Naka playing in the playmaker position behind the front two and is looking for a rightsided midfielder so that he can get Hartley out? Here’s hoping!

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt