Joe Hart welcomed the international break and the chance to spend some time away from the training ground.

But the Celtic goalkeeper, like the rest of his team-mates, was also delighted to return to Lennoxtown and get back down to business.

That’s involved preparing for this Sunday’s trip to Livingston, and Hart is hoping that over the next few weeks, the squad will be back to more or less full strength as they chase silverware on two fronts.

The Hoops returned to the top of the Premiership table with a victory over St Johnstone, and the aim is to deliver another three points this weekend to maintain that place.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game, the 36-year-old said: “We’ve got to keep everyone in as good a condition as we possibility can, have as strong a squad to pick from and look to attack every game.

‘We’re in a good place. There’s always that fresh feeling after an international. You spent a lot of time together so it’s nice to have some time apart.’

“We’re getting a few people back fit so I feel like we’re in a good spot.

“There’s no doubt we’re at our best when we’ve got everyone available and the manager’s got decisions on who he wants to pick in every single position.

He arrived as an unknown quantity but left as a fans’ favourite.

Just seen this nice mention in the Celtic Star – thanks! #CelticFC https://t.co/f637y9stPo

— Nick De Marco KC (@nickdemarco_) March 16, 2020

It’s far to say that that was one of the easiest victories of the sports barrister’s career to-date and he’s bound to enjoy dealing with the Scottish FA as most of the time he’s got to contend with competent sports professionals and administrators.

It’s Brendan in the dock this time, for calling out Beaton and Robertson after their double act to rescue the season after Motherwell had won at Ibrox. Yang’s nonsense red, upgraded from a yellow on Beaton’s insistence and then the icing on the cake as Beaton used his laptop to find a handball that no-one in football ever would say is a penalty, never mind a clear and obvious error missed by the referee.

Robertson didn’t have the balls to say no to Beaton and Brendan’s description of all that being merely incompetence does both officials a massive favour. If it’s not incompetence then what exactly was going on? Most Celtic supporters could give an answer to that one and they’d probably be hitting the nail on the head.

Will tomorrow go down this rabbit hole and will the Scottish FA be getting hot under the collar as it all unfolds?

Now the rules and regulations that are in place on what managers and players can say about referees is one thing but what about VAR officials? A referee or his assistant could previously make a call that later TV showed to be wrong. Let’s say on an offside decision. Flagged off, no goal. TV shows player was on – it’s an honest mistake and the rules are there to protect the officials in those circumstances.

But here both decisions were correct in real time – yellow to Yang, no penalty to Hearts, but VAR found reasons to change the referees mind. In effect VAR (John Beaton) was refereeing the game from his monitor – NOT what he’s supposed to be doing and Robertson was allowing this to happen.

Starting to reek of something is it not?

Here’s what Brendan said after the controversial incidents at Typecastle earlier this month:

“I try to respect decisions and give the benefit of the doubt but I think when I see that level of incompetence, which is the only word I can use, then that makes me worry for the game. In such a tight title race that can make the difference. I also think that VAR is not the problem here. “That’s clear. It’s competence.

“The first one is the sending off when there is no force. Show a still image of that and of course and you will see a foot up with the head near it, but it’s not the reality of the move. Don got it actually right on the field. It was a high boot, so it’s a yellow card – no malice or force.

“For John Beaton to actually look at that in VAR, supposedly under no pressure, and say that was sending off? I find that incredible. The second one is worse. If you have a penalty go against you for that then there will be penalties every single weekend and midweek,” Brendan Rodgers

One way of the other we will know the outcome tomorrow. If Brendan Rodgers is given a two match ban then Celtic – and the Celtic support – must consider all options. There is widespread unhappiness in Scottish football about the competency of the VAR staff and already Crawford Allan, the Head of Referees has fallen on his sword.

Motherwell and St Johnstone have both spoken up about VAR in recent days. Celtic could consider publicly stating that the club no longer wish to finance VAR and seek support around the league. Other clubs will feel the same.

Being the first country to walk away from VAR because essentially the Scottish FA cannot manage it probably will be hugely embarrassing for the Scottish FA. But the game in Scotland would be all the better to having put VAR in the bin. That’s where this is heading for the Scottish FA.

Cost £3m: Ange struck gold for Celtic by signing star who’s “reminiscent of Trent” – opinion

Celtic brought manager Brendan Rodgers back to Glasgow last summer after Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou decided to make a move down south.

The now-Spurs boss enjoyed a terrific two years in Scotland and was particularly successful in the transfer market with several fantastic additions, including the likes of Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi, Joe Hart, and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

One of his last signings in charge of the Hoops, during the January transfer window at the start of last year, was right-back Alistair Johnston from MLS side CF Montreal.

Postecoglou struck gold by bringing the Canadian to Parkhead, as his value has since soared alongside his excellent front-footed displays for the club.

How much Celtic paid to sign Alistair Johnston

The Daily Record reported that Celtic splashed out a fee of £3m to sign the talented defender after his impressive performances in North America throughout 2022.

Johnston made 35 appearances in the MLS in the 2022 campaign and caught the eye with four goals and four assists from right-back, which shows that he provided an attacking threat from that position.

The Canada international also won 50% of his defensive duels during that period, as he stood up to the physical test of the division, and the Hoops then swooped to secure his signature midway through their season.

He hit the ground running in the Scottish Premiership, as you can see in the table above, with an impressive return of five ‘big chances’ created in just 14 matches to help the team win the title.

Alistair Johnston’s current market value

At the time of writing (26/03/2024), Johnston is valued at €8m (£6.8m) by Transfermarkt and this shows that Postecoglou and Celtic hit the jackpot with him, as his value has soared and his performances on the pitch have been, largely, superb.

The 25-year-old whiz has created eight ‘big chances’ and registered two assists in 25 Premiership matches for the Hoops so far this season, which means that he has racked up 15 ‘big chances’ created in just 39 league games for the club.

Former Hoops man Steve Guppy, who worked with Johnston at Nashville in the MLS, heaped praise on the full-back’s outstanding ability to cross the ball.

He claimed that the right-back’s style and technique when it came to passing and crossing the ball was “reminiscent of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s at Liverpool”, and went on to say that he was “excited” to see the defender play for Celtic due to that quality.

Johnston has recorded two assists in his last four Premiership matches for the Hoops and both of those were crosses to Adam Idah, who converted one with his left foot and one with his head.

That is incredibly high praise when you consider that the England international recently broke the Premier League record for assists by defenders, with the 58th of his career so far – by the age of just 25.

At 25, the Celtic star still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve over the years to come. For now, though, it is hard to deny that he has been a terrific signing by Postecoglou, with his soaring value and Trent-like crosses in the Premiership.

Celtic ‘Show Trial’ Shambles: Pundit Blasts SFA

The controversy over Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ scheduled disciplinary has been the source of fevered debate, with SSB pundit Hugh Keevins launching a scathing critique, labeling the proceedings as a “show trial” and questioning its legitimacy.

This comes in the wake of Crawford Allan, the head of referees, announcing his decision to step down, albeit remaining in position until the end of the season due to the lack of an immediate successor. Allan’s continued but diminished role has sparked debate, particularly regarding the appropriateness of pursuing disciplinary action against Rodgers for his criticism of John Beaton’s VAR performance during the Tynecastle game.

Keevins expressed his concerns in a RecordSport column, pointing out the precarious situation Allan finds himself in and the implications for the upcoming hearing. He wrote: “Crawford Allan’s decision to stand down as the head of Scotland’s referees, but retain the title until the end of the season on a nominal basis, raises serious questions. The first being the validity of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ appearance in front of a disciplinary hearing on Thursday. Allan has effectively gone from office after a vote of no confidence in him, along with VAR and all its operatives, imposed by the Premiership clubs who were canvassed for their opinion.”

The backdrop to this controversy is a broader dissatisfaction with the implementation of VAR and refereeing standards in Scottish football, sentiments echoed by the Premiership clubs’ lack of confidence in the system and its overseers. Keevins’ commentary sheds light on the complexity of enforcing disciplinary measures in such a turbulent landscape, especially when the individual at the centre of the enforcement is considered a “lame duck.”

This situation leaves Celtic and Brendan Rodgers in an awkward position as they prepare for the hearing. With Rodgers potentially facing a touchline ban ahead of crucial matches, the debate over the fairness and timing of the disciplinary process has intensified.

The legitimacy of pursuing punitive measures under these circumstances is now under scrutiny, casting a shadow over the Scottish FA’s disciplinary procedures and raising questions about the influence of administrative challenges on the fair treatment of clubs and managers in the league.

Henrik Larsson Makes Special Celtic Appearance

Henrik Larsson made a special Celtic appearance overnight in New York City. The legendary striker was in attendance at the Celtic foundation’s annual Gala in Manhattan where they always raise an incredible amount for great causes.

The event is always attended by some of our most famous Celts and it doesn’t get any bigger than Henrik!

Larsson, who joined Celtic in 1997, is revered not just for his goal-scoring prowess but also for his significant impact on the club. Over seven years, he became Celtic’s third-highest scorer, netting 242 goals in 315 appearances

His journey with the hoops was marked by remarkable resilience, including a dramatic comeback from a career-threatening leg injury in 1999.

Under manager Martin O’Neill, Larsson experienced a golden era, forming a lethal partnership with Chris Sutton and leading Celtic to domestic and European success.

His Hoops highlight’s include stopping the ten under Wim Jansen, a domestic treble in the 2000/2001 season and a memorable run to the UEFA Cup final in 2003, where Larsson’s performance solidified his status as a Celtic legend.

Celtic could be in line for ‘huge’ post-international break boost as pundit makes title claim

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to ensure his side can have a clean bill of health once his side return from the international break.

Several Bhoys have left Parkhead to embark on their travels, with Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston forming part of the Scotland set-up under Steve Clarke.

Nevertheless, one man who isn’t part of the Tartan Army’s plans due to injury is club captain Callum McGregor, though he will come into contention once Scottish club football resumes.

Cameron Carter-Vickers started against St Johnstone last weekend and helped to shore up our backline. Despite this, it has been decided that the Southend-born man will continue his fitness progress at Lennoxtown rather than travelling to link up with the United States national team.

Reo Hatate is nearing match readiness after a long-term absence from the Celtic midfield; meanwhile, Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Luis Palma are three other individuals who won’t be involved for their respective nations.

The Bhoys travel to face Livingston in 11 days’ time, and it remains to be seen who could manage to recuperate in time to face David Martindale’s outfit at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

In light of our ongoing battle to win the Scottish Premiership, Rodgers appears to be trying to rouse the cavalry for a charge towards the finish line.

Stephen McGinn believes Celtic trio return could be ‘huge boost’

I’m sure everyone will be sick of the phrase ‘like a new signing’ by now; however, the return of important first-team players from injury is always cause for optimism at Parkhead.

In our case, being able to introduce McGregor, Hatate and Carter-Vickers back into the fold as a trio would be a major shot in the arm, given their importance to Rodgers’ tactical framework.

Pundit Stephen McGinn shares this sentiment and believes that the three men in question re-entering the fray would incrementally boost our title chances.

He stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “It would be a huge boost, if they’re able to get Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers fit for these last eight games, then they have a real chance of winning the league title.

“You see the difference, Carter-Vickers is off the pitch for five minutes, St Johnstone had hardly been out their own half, and score instantly when he goes off the park, so I think combined in the league, they’ve only played three games together.”

Celtic have title destiny in their own hands

Undoubtedly, both sides of the Glasgow divide will believe in their chances of winning the title; however, the experience of winning league silverware in the Celtic dressing room could go a long way between now and the time all is said and done.

McGinn’s point stands to reason, and Carter-Vickers, McGregor and Hatate are among a core of pivotal individuals who have been instrumental to our success over the last couple of years.

Looking forward, Rodgers will know the importance of ensuring the trio are available ahead of our trip to Ibrox next month.

Brendan Rodgers’ title race message ahead of a big weekend for Celtic

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is relishing the opportunity to test his team in the fire of a title run-in, speaking ahead of what is a big weekend for the Bhoys.

Rodgers’ side have the opportunity to put serious pressure on league leaders Rangers with a victory over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

If Celtic beat Craig Levein’s outfit at home later today, they will move a point above the Ibrox team ahead of their tricky trip away to Dundee on Sunday.

A lot has been said about the direction of Celtic’s season, the failings and the inconsistency. For Rodgers, it’s time to put all of that aside and he doesn’t care if he is the hunter or the hunted with nine games to go.

Brendan Rodgers looking forward to Celtic title test

The Celtic boss said [Daily Record]: “It’s all about how you finish the race. This is the point that matters. There was a lot of noise and everything around the beginning of the season for whatever reasons. But ultimately it’s part of the season and I will be interested if we win the league and the Scottish Cup what the thoughts are around that.

“But my only thought is for the team going into a real exciting bit, having these players back, and dealing with the pressure that comes with these last period of games.

“Being the hunter or the hunted doesn’t really matter to me. It’s about performing and getting to the end point where you want to finish.

“I’m only thinking about the game against St Johnstone. We are still in a really good position with what looks like is going to be a strong squad for the run in. I am really looking forward to that because it’s been good, a challenge in so many different ways, but that’s why we are here – to take on those challenges and come together and finish as strong as we possibly can.”

There’s zero room for error at Celtic at this stage. There are seven non-derby matches to go and realistically the Bhoys have to pick up all 21 of those points – it’s too late to rely on Rangers dropping points.

Then there are the two remaining league derbies themselves which, in fairness to Rodgers, is a fixture that has gone Celtic’s way so far this season.

If the manager can kick the team into gear for this final stretch then silverware is achievable – but the Hearts disaster really must be the last one of the season.

Let’s see how they do at Celtic Park on Saturday.

‘Tricky’: Dejected Craig Levein explains why he’s glad he doesn’t face ‘fantastic’ Celtic every week

Celtic’s 3-1 win over St Johnstone puts the pressure back on Rangers at the top of the table this afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side looked back to their best as they delivered a brilliant all-round performance that the Celtic fans have not seen for quite some time this season.

Their constant pressure at closing down the St Johnstone players and their attacking intent was reminiscent of the kind of football we witnessed under Ange Postecoglou.

And it was this type of performance that left St Johnstone manager, Craig Levein, admitting that he’s happy that he doesn’t need to face the Parkhead side every week.

Levein said [Sky Sports], “I thought without the ball we were pretty good. Whenever we did win it back, particularly in the first half, we just turned it over nearly every time probably doubling the amount of attacks that Celtic had through our own inadequacy to keep possession of the ball.

“And that just made it harder for us defensively. And if you can get periods of control in the game then what that means is that your defenders are constantly under pressure in here.

“Attack after attack after attack with players who it’s not as simple as just defending crosses, there’s a lot of different passes that are played in that created opportunities for the Celtic players and you fall asleep for a second and you find yourself in trouble.”

“But this isn’t a game that’s going to define our season. We’ve got a lot of matches to play that will involve many different types of mental problems for us.

“This is a tricky place to come with a big pitch, a great surface and the movement Celtic have got is fantastic.

“And that was really tiring. For us. But that’s not what we’re facing every week.”

Watching the interview you could see the abject disappointment on Levein’s face in the tone of his voice as Celtic blew his St Johnstone team away.

As I said earlier, this was a performance that we have not seen from a Brendan Rodgers side for pretty much of the whole season.

Their attacking flair, particularly down the right flank with Nicolas Kuhn, was exceptional. The German winger is really starting to show the signs of the player that persuaded Rodgers to splash £3m on the German winger in January.

The only blot on Celtic’s performance was the fact that we conceded a poor goal that should have been dealt with much better by the back four.

But overall, as Levein admits, Celtic were fantastic yesterday and it’s just a pity that the international break has come when it has.

Because looking at what Brendan Rodgers’ side has delivered recently, barring the Hearts result, this team is growing more and more with confidence at the business end of the season and it has just made this title run-in all the more interesting for the Celtic fans.