Josh McCafferty

@joshmccafferty.bsky.social

Journalist | Digital news writing across @heraldsport.bsky.social & more | Views regrettably my own

Having now played the same number of Champions League games (6) as last season, Celtic have more than doubled their points tally (9 compared to 4 last campaign). A draw tonight is far from a disaster. All they need to do now is defeat Young Boys under the lights at Parkhead.

Whether from the start or bench, Luke McCowan always impresses for Celtic. Three assists & a goal in the first half yesterday surely throws his hat in the ring for a start vs Aberdeen midweek. The £1m the Hoops paid for him looks like more of a bargain every time he plays.

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👏 Great day for Celtic as they receive two nominations for FIFA’s ‘The Best’ awards for 2024. Elena Sadiku is up for Women’s Coach of the Year, with Alistair Johnston in the running to make The Best XI.

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A point gained for Celtic tonight, especially given the first half performance. Not controversial to say they would’ve lost that game last season. Still in a very good position with three league phase matches to go. Now 5 games unbeaten at Celtic Park in the Champions League.

I’ve no doubt Arne Engels will come good for Celtic, just like Kuhn did. The Belgian wasn’t great tonight but after starting twice for his country during the break, you can partly see why. That shouldn’t negate the fact Bernardo needs to take his place in Wednesday’s lineup.

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Alistair Johnston buzzing after extending his Celtic stay until at least 2029. I asked the right back if he sees himself as future skipper, to which duly replied: “I probably talk too much to be captain!” AJ hailed Nicolas Kuhn as key to his own form this season.

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Scotland deserved that win, albeit they rode their luck at times. Thought they were being taught a harsh lesson in taking chances until Robbo popped up at the back post. Souttar’s cross was sublime. Fair play to Clarke. Criticised after Euros but proved in recent months he’s the man for the job.

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👀 Better opportunities elsewhere 💫 Ability 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Structure of Scottish football Read my column on why I don’t think Celtic’s academy is producing enough first team players on @celtsarehere.bsky.social substack with a free seven-day trial. 👇 celtsarehere.substack.com/p/the-harsh-...

The Harsh Reality of Celtic's Academy

Our resident youth and loan writer Josh McCafferty digs into why Celtic has only produced two proper first team players in a decade.

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“Kühn is also a good player with a lot of desire. He’s someone we’re keeping an eye on.” Julian Nagelsmann confirms Germany are monitoring Nicolas Kühn. The winger getting called up would be huge not just for himself, but for Celtic, too. Read more: celtsarehere.com/germany-boss...

Germany Boss Julian Nagelsmann Responds To Nicolas Kuhn Call-up Suggestions | Latest Celtic News

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is 'keeping an eye' on Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn after his sensational start to the season.

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Where do Celtic need to strengthen in the January transfer window? I personally think the wide areas urgently need to be looked at, and if Greg Taylor’s contract situation isn’t sorted, left-back could be another position to consider.

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Celtic’s Luis Palma scored both goals from the bench as Honduras beat Mexico 2-0 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter final overnight. An emotional moment for the winger, who recently lost his beloved grandmother. Palma was visibly teary in his post-match interview.

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Ben Doak is a top, elite talent. Scotland have been crying out for a player of his ilk for years. He made John McGinn’s winner tonight and gave Josko Gvardiol nightmares. Too much pressure can’t be put on his shoulders but, goodness me, the teenager’s potential is sky-high.

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The SFA’s Key Match Incident Panel has voted that there should have been an on-field review for Reo Hatate’s tackle on Liam Donnelly at the weekend. Three of the five Panel members think Reo’s challenge endangered the safety of his opponent and thus could have warranted a red card.

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