International week has begun but there's a domestic football fix for Celtic fans still craving one. The Hoops have made a 100 per cent start to the Premiership season, and Brendan Rodgers is looking to keep things ticking over by heading to Ireland's west coast for a friendly against Sligo Rovers. A number of stars who have found themselves on the first team fringes will get the chance to impress and stake a claim to be involved in the top of the table blockbuster with Aberdeen that gets the domestic action back underway with a bang following the break.
As for Sligo, they are at the business end of the League of Ireland season and the Bit O'Red are well in the mix for the European spots and one of SIX teams still technically in with a shout of winning the title, although there's is much slimmer than other's.
The Scottish Champions are in Ireland to face the LOI opponents at The Showgrounds as Brendan looks to keep his players sharp. It won't be a full strength Celtic side with players away. In fact it probably won't be a full strength Sligo Rovers side either with them in the midst of a European battle in the League of Ireland. But we'll have all the action for you right here.
Sligo Rovers vs Celtic: A Friendly with Big Implications
League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers are set to host Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on Wednesday at the Showgrounds in a friendly match during the international break. The hosts are in sixth place with 47 points after 32 games and are seven points from first-placed Shelbourne with four fixtures remaining, while the visitors are first in Scotland's top flight and have taken maximum points from seven matches.
A Look at the Teams' Recent Form
Sligo Rovers have already surpassed last season's points total of 37 and could end the 2024 campaign with their highest tally since the 2013 season if they were to win their four remaining games. The Bit O'Red drew 0-0 last time out with league-leaders Shelbourne on September 27, a match in which they created no big chances and faced 16 shots. Manager John Russell said that his side played well and dominated proceedings in the first half, saying in the aftermath of the draw that the result felt like two points dropped rather than one point gained.
Russell's side have scored 37 goals and conceded on 37 occasions, these records make them the sixth-best offensive and the third-worst defensive team in the 10-team division, though they have played a game fewer than four top-flight clubs. Bit O'Red have lost four, drawn one and won three of their eight most recent matches, but they have won eight of their last 10 fixtures at the Showgrounds.
Opponents Celtic come into the clash having beaten Ross County 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, though they trailed after 43 minutes and only won thanks to goals from Alistair Johnston in the 76th minute and Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn in the 88th minute. The result did little to dissipate the disappointment of losing 7-1 against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on October 1, although boss Brendan Rodgers said the defeat was an opportunity to grow and bounce back higher.
The Hoops' loss in the Champions League means they have now lost 11, drawn four and won just two of their last 17 matches in the competition, with Rodgers having lost 13, drawn four and won just three of his 20 Champions League group stage or league phase games at Celtic. To Rodgers's credit, his side are first in the top flight and are already five points clear of rivals Rangers, who are in third place.
Celtic's defeat against Dortmund is the only fixture they have failed to either win or progress from in their last 18 competitive matches. Their loss was also the first time they have lost away from home in their 10 most recent games on the road, with the club winning or progressing on eight occasions and drawing one time in that period.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Sligo Rovers next play on October 14 but last played on September 27, so Russell could start several key players but substitute them before they complete the full 90 minutes to manage their workload. Goalkeeper Edward McGinty could be shielded by centre-backs Charlie Wigget and Oliver Denham, while Jack Henry-Francis is likely to be used in midfield. Elsewhere, Luke Pearce could be selected to play as a striker, and he may be flanked by Kyle McDonagh and William Fitzgerald.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has confirmed he will look to provide minutes for players who might not be match fit in preparation for their game against Aberdeen on October 19. However, centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, right-back Johnston and left-back Greg Taylor are likely to miss out but should be available shortly after the international break. Alex Valle could come in for Taylor, while he may be joined in defence by Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Mitchel Frame.
Sligo Rovers possible starting lineup:McGinty; Wilson, Denham, Wiggett, Hutchinson; Henry-Francis, Patton; McDonagh, Barlow, Fitzgerald; Pearce
Celtic possible starting lineup:Bain; Frame, Nawrocki, Welsh, Valle; McCowan, McCarthy; Bonnar, Dobbie, Palma; Cummings
Match Preview
Considering that Sligo Rovers have not played a competitive game for some time and have an important league match on the horizon, it would not be surprising if they prioritised fitness over performance. Despite their loss against Dortmund, Celtic are in excellent form and should come into the clash as clear favourites.
A Chance for Nawrocki to Prove His Worth
The Polish defender, who arrived last summer with some promise, has found his opportunities limited under Brendan Rodgers. He has often been relegated to the stands, not even making the bench unless other defenders were injured. The Hoops are enjoying a solid start to the season, the only real setback being a defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Nawrocki has had zero gane time. However, if he’s given the nod against League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers, it could be his chance to remind the coaching staff of his abilities.
Nawrocki’s current situation might seem bleak, but he doesn’t need to look far for inspiration. Liam Scales, who was in a similar position not long ago, has made the most of his opportunities and has now solidified himself as a reliable first-team option. Scales was once on the verge of being sold after being given little chance to succeed at Celtic. However, he’s forced his way into Brendan Rodgers’ plans with consistent performances when called upon.
If Nawrocki can take anything from Scales’ resurgence, it’s that patience and taking your chances can lead to a turnaround in fortunes. With Rodgers likely to rotate his squad for the friendly, including some fringe players and academy talents, Nawrocki could have the platform to make an impression. A solid performance could reignite his Celtic career or at least prevent him from falling further down the pecking order.
What to Expect from the Match
Brendan Rodgers is expected to field a varied squad at Sligo’s Showgrounds for the friendly. With first-team players potentially rested, there will be room for those on the fringes to shine. While the match may not have the intensity of a competitive fixture, it allows Nawrocki and others to build fitness and show the manager what they can offer. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm UK time on Wednesday, and fans hoping to catch Nawrocki in action can stream the match via League of Ireland TV for a fee of €10. While this may be just a friendly, it could be so much more for players like Nawrocki.
A Look Back to the Roots of Celtic
Celtic's links to Sligo go all the way back to their foundation, with it being the birthplace of Brother Walfrid. The man who founded the club in order to raise funds for the catholic ppor in Glasgow's east End was born in Ballymote, a village just over 15 miles from the city of Sligo.
Plenty make the trip from Dublin to Parkhead every other week, but Celtic and their fans will get a different Irish experience in Sligo. Situated on the west coast in the province of Connacht and part of the country's Wild Atlantic Way, it's wet. Very wet. Even comnpared to Glasgow. It's rural but with some of best scenery Ireland has to offer, and Sligo sits in the shadow of the mighty Benbulben. Of course, Guinness is the tiple of choice but in may towns across the west, you can head into what seesm to be a general shop or hardware store and discover there's an old fashioned boozer through the back. Sligo Rovers are in the process of raising funds to expand their Showgrounds home, ensuring it;s up to spec for UEFA fixtures, with regualr European football the aim for the Bit O'Red.
Rodgers confirmed he'll be in the dugout at the Showgrounds as he casts his eye over a number of his squad payers. He also plans to give some of the kids a chance while getting the not so regualr first teamers up to speed. I’ll be there. I’ll be taking the team. That plan was in place a few months back. We’ll need to recover some players. But there’s going to be a number of players that need games. So it’ll be a mixture of our first team players in the squad and also some of our young players because it’s my chance to see them. But yes, we’ll go over there. It’s always great to go back home. And then we’ll prepare them for Aberdeen.
Celtic's Midfielder Looking Ahead to Aberdeen Clash
Luke McCowan insists Aberdeen are NOT yet genuine Premiership title contenders. The Celtic playmaker reckons it’s too early in the campaign to describe any side as pretenders to the Parkhead throne right now. But he is well aware of the danger the Dons pose as the top two get set for their Parkhead showdown after the international break. Jimmy Thelin’s men are joint top of the table along with the Hoops after making it 13 wins on the spin to start the season. Celtic have also been flawless in the domestic game this term and the pair are also set to scrap it out in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals next month. McCowan is looking forward to the clash a week on Saturday – but is not counting the Granite City men as contenders just yet.
Conclusion
The friendly match between Sligo Rovers and Celtic presents a unique opportunity for both teams. While Sligo Rovers are looking to maintain their momentum and stay in contention for European football, Celtic will be keen to keep their players sharp and ensure they are ready for the challenging fixture against Aberdeen after the international break. With a number of fringe players looking to make an impression, the match has the potential to be an exciting encounter for fans and players alike.
'Howwa Ya?'
Celtic are in Yeats Country for a friendly to stave off the internatinal week boredom...sorry, we mean get valubale minutes into the legs and keep the players sharp. Or as they say in Sligo, howwa ya?
