Latest news with #ScottishCupFinal
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Liam Scales lifts lid on Celtic injury torture as star ready to grin and bear it for first team spot
The Ireland star as lifted the lid on his injury agony last term after suffering a broken jaw against St Mirren A shattered jaw bone left Liam Scales eating through a straw at one stage last season. But the Celtic defender insists he can't wait to sink his teeth into the challenge of staying in the Hoops starting lineup this coming season. Scales spent most of last term sharing the left side centre back role with Auston Trusty but the Irishman refused to be bumped out of the side and he revealed he even managed to see out a game at St Mirren after breaking his jaw. The injury eventually cost him six weeks of his season, but the 26-year-old battled back to regain his place in the side for the run-in – including a spot in the Scottish Cup Final starting XI. Scales has become something of an unsung hero for Celts and it might have gone unnoticed by some that he's always willing to bite down and smash through the pain barrier. He said: 'It was alright! It was the first time I'd had that type of injury. 'Once I had the operation I had a week on liquids and then another week where I could only eat soft foods. 'I was basically eating soup through a straw for that first week! I lost quite a bit of weight but it didn't take me long to put it back on – I like my food! But it's all sorted now. 'I have a couple of plates in there so it's probably stronger now than it was before. 'It happened against St Mirren. I made a tackle and there was a collision with me being hit in the side of the face by his shoulder. 'I actually gave away a foul and they scored from the free-kick. But thankfully we ended up winning 5-2. 'It kept me out for four or five weeks which wasn't great. 'I'd only ever broken my nose or had some black eyes down the years but this was the first time I'd hurt the jaw. 'It's okay now, though. It's part of the game, especially in Scotland where it's quite physical. 'I was just happy it wasn't an injury below the waist. It's not going to affect me longer, so it's all good.' Scales could have slotted in as more of a back up after the arrival of £6m signing Auston Trusty last summer – but instead he rose to the challenge. More often than not, it was the Republic of Ireland man who got the nod to partner Cameron Carter-Vickers but he admitted sometimes you need to suck it up when you are out of the Celtic side. He said: 'Overall, I think I was happy with it. I played over 40 games all in and that included a spell out after I broke my jaw. 'If I look at it that way, I didn't miss much football. 'Look, you do want to start every game and there were times when I didn't and that was disappointing. That's just football, though. 'Overall, it was a successful season for us and it was good to be part of that. I felt I played my part. 'When you're not paying, you just need to suck it up. 'He is a brilliant manager and he has his reasons so you can't argue with that. You just need to accept it and hope that you can get back in. 'But there were times when I played alongside Auston and other times it was Cameron. The three of us played a similar amount of minutes. 'Maybe I didn't play as much but I felt all three of us worked well together given the fact two played and one didn't. 'It wasn't too bad to be on the sidelines because I didn't spend long there. I was back in after a couple of weeks and it was good. 'The thing is, with the amount of games we have with the Premiership and Champions League – and we go the distance in the cup competitions, which we did – it amounts to around 60 games in a season. 'That means there are so many opportunities to play and everyone realises that. 'When you are on the side, you just have to be patient and ready to go in when called upon, because you will be as it's so hectic.' Scales doesn't take his role for granted as he is well aware there's always a fight for places at Parkhead. He's ready to battle it out with Carter-Vickers and Trusty again in the coming weeks – and there's also Hayato Inamura who has come in and impressed during pre-season. But Scales said: 'It's a big club so you expect them to sign a player almost for each position every summer. 'That's just part of it. That's how it's been for the last few years so I wouldn't be thinking about that at all. 'I'm focusing more on getting sharp and fit and ready to fight for that jersey for that first game of the season.' Scales was given an extra week off after international duty but he's back in business and ready to get wired in to the new campaign. He said: 'I can't wait. All the training we're doing is leading into that first day. We want to start the way we finished the league last season. 'We want to win the league again, that's the goal. 'We also have that big Champions League qualifier ahead of us too and it's massive for us to play in that competition. 'We're already really focused on that. I feel we have so much to look forward to and we're all eager to get started.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Adam Idah races past Celtic cult hero now £9m man can bolster legitimacy in career defining season
Idah desperately wants to be handed more responsibility and this could be his big opportunity Giorgos Giakoumakis was once the golden Bhoy in the eyes of Celtic fans. But enigmatic Adam Idah has already eclipsed the Greek hitman's Hoops goal tally. And now it's time for the Irishman to nail down that No.9 jersey. Idah has now been on the books at Parkhead for 18 months - the same time frame as Giakoumakis. Unlike his predecessor, the £9million striker has yet to fully win over the Parkhead faithful. Giakoumakis took time to get up and running in Glasgow. When he did, he ended his debut campaign as the Premiership's joint-top scorer and 17 goals across all competitions. He endeared himself to the supporters and was even dubbed the 'Greek God'. But after a year-and-a-half playing second fiddle to Kyogo, the cult hero jumped ship for Atlanta United. Ange Postecoglou experimented with South Korean powerhouse Oh Hyeon-gyu, and it didn't work out. A year later, Brendan Rodgers made a call and Idah arrived on loan from Norwich City to rescue Celtic's three-in-a-row dreams. On paper, he was an underwhelming signing after spending years at the Canaries as third-choice striker. Without him though, there's little chance Celts would be going for 56 this season. It's easy to forget that Idah saved the day away to Hibs and Kilmarnock - crucial moments on the way to halting a resurgent Rangers. That convinced Hoops chiefs to shatter their transfer record to prize him away from Carrow Road. You can debate whether Michael Nicholson paid over the odds for a man who was out of the picture down south. Had he arrived for the same £2.5m fee as Giakoumakis, maybe perceptions would be different. But his lofty price tag has undoubtedly seen expectations skyrocket. Look, Idah's not everyone's cup of tea and is far from the finished article. However, he's already bagged three more goals than Giakoumakis over the course of a year and a half. He's stepped up in huge moments against Gers - writing his name into Celtic folklore with a famous last-minute Scottish Cup Final winner - plus two strikes at Ibrox. Idah has also proved himself on the biggest stage, netting a Champions League double away to Aston Villa and playing a crucial role in the goal that sent them through to the knockouts for the first time in 13 years. Throw in ending his first full campaign with 20 goals, and it's not a bad return. Having spoken to the big fella from Celtic's pre-season training camp in Lisbon earlier this week, it's clear he's fired up and ready to prove his doubters wrong. The 24-year-old pointed to the fact that more than half of his 53 appearances came from the bench and reckons he could smash the 30-goal barrier if he's given the nod. Rodgers is still scouring the globe for more firepower following Kyogo's January departure. But Idah knows the score. Competition is part of the gig and he just wants a proper shot at being Celtic's No.1 striker. Then, he can be properly judged. Giakoumakis left his mark. But Idah's still writing his story. And if he gets his opportunity, fans might just have a new name to chant.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Adam Idah ready to smash Celtic goal barrier as fired up £9m man bullishly defends scoring record
The £9million hitman is ready to step up to become Brendan Rodgers' main man this season after coming in for stick last term Fired-up Adam Idah has told Brendan Rodgers he's ready to smash the 30-goal barrier and become Celtic's main man. The £9million hitman found the net 20 times last season as the Hoops won a league and cup double. But Rodgers desperately wants more ammunition to fill the void left behind by Kyogo. Idah was one of the gaffer's most-used subs last term but is itching to prove he can lead the line full-time and reach that 30-goal benchmark. He said: 'Yeah, 100 per cent. I said it last season. 'The more minutes I play, the more goals I'm going to score, and it's a fact. 'I scored 20 goals with the minutes I've played, which is really good. 'So I'm sure the more minutes I play, I'll score more goals and I'm confident enough in myself that I can get to that. 'It's only a benchmark, so hopefully I can do it next season.' Rodgers is still working to beef up his attacking options, with Japanese striker Shin Yamada set to seal a £1.5m switch from Kawasaki Frontale in the coming days. Another centre-forward could still be on the radar, while two new wide men are also on the wish list after Nicolas Kuhn's £17m exit to Como. But no matter who comes in the door, Idah is relishing the challenge of holding onto his No.9 jersey. He said: 'Look, the manager's obviously right. We've lost two big players that have contributed loads to the squad. 'So hopefully we can bring in some others that can help us out. 'Last season we had Daizen (Maeda) obviously doing well and myself scored, so we all did our part. 'The guys have left now, so hopefully we can bring some guys in now and go again next season. 'I don't think anyone's going to go into a club where there's no other players in their position, so it's something I'm obviously used to. 'At the end of the day, we're a team and we want to win games, win competitions and trophies, and we need the best players we can to do that. 'So I think regardless who we sign, I think the whole team will be happy for it, and they'll add a really positive quality to the team.' Idah has risen to the occasion with three Old Firm goals and a Champions League double away to Aston Villa. He's also become a key player for the Republic of Ireland and is highly rated by international boss Heimir Hallgrímsson. The 2024 Scottish Cup Final match-winning hero said: 'I think I've been like that my whole career, to be honest. 'I've scored in a lot of big games, but now I want to kick forward and score in every other game. 'The big games are great to score in, but I want to be consistent now, and I think that's the big learning for me. 'I want to be the striker that plays every game and scores every game, every second game. 'It's not about just the one big game, you want to do it consistently and I think that's where the biggest players are the best.' While Idah is confident he can score a barrel load of goals, the ex-Norwich City star knows there's more to come after his first full campaign in Glasgow. The Cork-born ace said: 'I thought it was a really good season. "Obviously, the end didn't go our way, but personally I thought I had a good season. "Of course, there can be a lot to improve on. 'But I think from my first full season at Celtic, it's been really good to return 20 goals. 'I don't think that's easy at such a big club. 'Scoring in the Champions League and all sorts is a really good stuff for me, so I'm really looking forward to my next season. 'It was my first full season being the number nine at Celtic. 'There were a lot of things that I learnt over the course of that season, which I can hopefully bring into this season, so I'm really looking forward to going into the new one now.' Idah and his teammates have been working up a sweat in the heat of Lisbon as their pre-season camp continues. Celts have been training in the shadow of the Estadio Nacional, where Jock Stein's legendary Lisbon Lions made history in 1967. Rodgers treated his stars to a special visit to the sacred ground before heading to the Algarve for the next leg of their Portugal tour. Idah added: 'It's a big part of the club. 'It was nice for all of us to go and see it. I'm sure for the boys who probably don't know too much about Celtic, it was nice for them to see the stadium. "It's massive for us as a club, so it was fantastic for everyone to see.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Hibs and Dundee United boss Jack Ross lands stunning new job with English Premier League giants
JACKPOT Ex-Hibs and Dundee United boss Jack Ross lands stunning new job with English Premier League giants Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S almost three years since Jack Ross was dismissed as Dundee United boss after a horror start to the season. Now, he's landed a plum new job with one of English football's top clubs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Jack Ross' spell as Dundee United boss was a nightmare Credit: Willie Vass 2 He's been working at Newcastle United for more than two years Credit: Getty Ross, 49, enjoyed a successful playing career for the likes of Clyde, Falkirk and St Mirren before moving into coaching. After getting his first managerial role at Alloa, he took the reins at St Mirren in 2016 and led the Buddies to promotion to the Premiership in 2018. Ross' impressive job in Paisley saw him linked with some huge jobs and he landed the gig at Sunderland in May 2018. Only a cruel last gasp play-off final defeat at Wembley against Charlton denied Ross promotion to the Championship with the Black Cats. He was sacked in October, just five months after the crushing play-off defeat, and quickly returned to Scottish football wtih Hibs. Ross impressed as Hibs boss and led the club to third in the 2020/21 season, also reaching the Scottish Cup Final. He agreed a new contract in July 2021 but was dismissed five months later just days before the League Cup Final. Ross had six months out of the game before being appointed Dundee United manager in June 2022. But it would prove a disastrous spell at Tannadice, with United mauled 7-1 on aggregate by AZ Alkmaar in Europa League Conference qualifying. A humiliating 9-0 home defeat to Celtic left the Terrors bottom of the Premiership table and Ross was dismissed at the end of August - just seven games into his spell as boss. 'Freakish athlete' Anthony Elanga shows off insane 100m time ahead of Newcastle transfer That, to date, is his last job in management. Since March 2023, he's been working at Newcastle United - of course, the huge rivals of one of his former clubs, Sunderland. Ross took up a role in the Magpies' academy as Head of Coach Development before moving into the position of Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships. Now, he's received a major promotion. The Toon, who'll be back in the Champions League this coming season, have appointed Ross as Head of Football Strategy. The lofty role will see Ross report directly into the club's incoming Sporting Director. The wide-ranging position gives the Scot responsibility across a number of areas, and will see him involved in the men's, women's and academy areas. On his new job, Ross said: "I am delighted to move to the role of Head of Football Strategy. "This is an exciting opportunity to help the club build on the outstanding progress and successes it has achieved on and off the pitch in recent seasons. "We have incredibly high calibre staff here across multiple pillars of the club, and I am looking forward to supporting them in this new position." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Reo Hatate has clear Celtic mission brief as he refuses to look back in anger at Pape Gueye tackle
The Hoops midfielder is back in business after missing the end of last season due to injury and he has some big targets Reo Hatate is a man on a mission at Celtic this season and the clock is ticking. And the midfielder is not going to waste a second. Hatate is not usually a player that struggled for motivation but he's got added incentive to bust a gut for the next 12 months. The 27-year-old is hooked on the winning feeling with the Hoops but he also has his sights on the World Cup in North America next summer. And he fears this could be his LAST chance of being part of the biggest show on the planet. Hatate is a regular in the Japan squad but he's not taking his place for granted. The playmaker is going be like a man possessed every single day to make sure he doesn't miss out. Hatate said: 'It's going to be very important what you build up on a daily or weekly basis. 'I am going to work hard in every single training session and game because that is what it will take to get there. 'It is a big dream of mine. Of course it is. The World Cup is very important. 'It's difficult to say what it would mean to me to be part of it with Japan. 'But this could be my last chance. I will be 29-years old next year, so the next time I will be almost 33. 'I don't know how I will be at that point. But I do know I will do everything I can to get there. 'My mindset will be that this is my last chance so I will give everything.' A fired up Hatate is good news for Celtic. He also brushed off any talk around him leaving the club. His focus is fully on Celts, starting the season strongly and adding to his already impressive roll of honour. Hatate has won eight medals in his three-and-a-half years but he's not a man who looks in the rear view mirror. There's no looking back in anger at the way his season ended early last time out either. Hatate was forced to miss the Scottish Cup Final after a needless late tackle by Aberdeen's Papa Gueye when the Dons were already 5-1 down. The Japan star has no bad feelings about the Pittodrie man though and the hard thing for humble star was the feeling he was letting down fans by not being able to play. Hatate is back firing now and notched in Saturday's friendly defeat to Estrela in Portugal. Speaking at Celtic's pre-season camp on the outskirts of Lisbon, he said: 'I feel good. My fitness is getting better and we have had a lot of good coaching. 'There's no frustration – I am just looking forward to the new season. 'The worst thing about being injured is I felt like I let the team down. There were games left to win trophies and I couldn't do anything to help. 'That was the hard part for me. 'I wouldn't say I was angry at the tackle. It's all in the past but I would hope something similar doesn't happen in the future. 'I have been training very hard and my conditioning will improve. I am always looking to improve my game and that is my hope for the new season. 'I have won a lot of titles at Celtic but you always want to win more. Whenever there is a chance to lift a trophy you need to go for it. I am still hungry for more.' Hatate is also preparing to welcome another Japan star into the Celtic fold. The Hoops snapped up defender Hayato Inamura for his homeland this summer and striker Shin Yamada is expected to join up at the end of the week. Hatate was warned the new boys not to be fooled by the sensational weather at the weekend but while it might always be sunny in Scotland, there is a bright future for him at the club. He said: 'I must admit I don't know him (Shin). I don't know about his situation but I do know that any player who comes to Celtic it is a very good move for their reputations. 'It is a great club that competed for titles and in Europe. If he is a player who comes to us then I will hopefully have a good relationship with him on the pitch and I will try to create the chances for him.' Hatate is convinced Yamada can settle in Scotland just as he has done – even if the lingo is still a struggle at times. When asked about life in Glasgow, he joked: ''There's no sun! I am used to it now, so it's not a problem. I enjoy my life in Scotland. 'It's very busy with games and training so it's not like I have a lot of time to do go places and do tourist things during the season. 'But I like to go to restaurants or coffee shops, even just got for walks and enjoy the nice scenery and views. 'I have already warned Hayato about the weather! 'I will try to help him as much as possible with settling in Scotland. When I arrived it was nice to have players such as Kyogo and Daizen here, so am I'm sure it will be easier for him. 'There is a big difference coming to Scotland. The language is different most of all! 'My English is fine now but it can still sometimes be tricky with the Scottish boys. 'I might say one thing on the pitch and they come back with 10 things! That takes a while to get used to.'
