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Five key lessons from Celtic’s draw with Astana

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In the lead up to yesterday’s match it seemed like Astana were taking on the character of a major player in the European game.

After two seasons of Thursday night European ‘thrills’ any team that has battled through the Maribor’s and Malmo’s to reach the group stage was bound to develop a certain aura in the eyes of Celtic fans.

Truth be told Astana seem to be of a similar standard to the Slovenian and Swedish side’s that have knocked Celtic out of the Champions League in recent seasons- the type of team that Celtic fans rightly expect the hoops to see off four times out of five.

With largely the same squad that Ronny Deila used Brendan Rodgers was able to get much more out of the players at his disposal, even the loss of three front line central defenders didn’t overly worry the Celtic boss as he set about reaching the play off stage of the tournament.

With a manager in control, sizing up the opponents and how his own players are performing Celtic are a vastly different side to the predictable outfit that has been torn apart in recent European ventures.

The contrast between the performance against Lincoln Red Imps and Astana was vast, if similar developments can be maintained there is every reason to believe that Celtic are on the brink of a return to the Champions League.

ROBERTS SCORES

PLAY PATRICK ROBERTS

In the past when Celtic have been playing away from home in Europe the flair player has been the first to be sacrificed in a team designed to spoil and play for a draw.

Roberts had the Astana defence terrified whenever he was in possession or not, some brutal challenges were directed his way but the Londoner never flinched as he chased his dream of playing in the Champions League.

His contribution to the goal was immense, by having an attacking threat rather than another body in midfield teams will be wary of pushing forward and leaving space for Roberts to exploit.

griffiths

LEIGH GRIFFITHS- STRIKER

Other managers have tried to play him out wide or in other striking positions but there is only one role for Griffiths to fulfil and that’s as centre forward.

A silly challenge just before he scored could have brought more than a yellow card but as Roberts won the ball on the touchline Griffiths knew exactly what was required, his positioning, touch and finish were top class.

With or without Moussa Dembele the former Hibs man carries the sort of threat that some took for granted in a Celtic striker. Since the sale of Gary Hooper striking has become a problem position with Griffiths going a long way to solving the issue- playing solo or in tandem with another striker.

NIR BITTON

USE THE SUBSTITUTE OPTIONS

What a breath of fresh air it was to see effective use of substitutes rather than be left wondering what on earth they are thinking about in the dug out!

The introduction of Nir Bitton, James Forrest and Tom Rogic all brought new aspects to the Celtic performance with the equaliser coming shortly after Rogic had replaced Callum McGregor.

By staging the three changes over a ten minute spell Astana were given something to think about while all three subs seemed well aware of what their exact role was within the team.

TIERNEY

PLAY WITH FLEXIBILITY-

At times it was hard to tell if Celtic were playing 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 with Kieran Tierney the variable within that system.

The teenager was able to drop back in front of Eoghan O’Connell whenever required but was also able to balance up the attacking threat of Roberts on the right when the opportunity presented itself.

Other players were able to adapt their position as well, there was a degree of flexibility within the teamwork with a greater understanding of what was required to hold Astana at bay as well as threaten them around goal.

O'CONNELL

BRAVERY:

Following the example set by Kieran Tierney last season there is no reason to hold back young players in preference to experience.

If any of the three injured defenders had been available Eoghan O’Connell would still be waiting on the sidelines for his chance to impress.

Tierney took his opportunity last season against Fenerbahce and would have finished the season with the player-of-the-year awards had it not been for the goals of Leigh Griffiths.

Rather than shuffle established players around into positions that don’t suit them giving a younger player a chance in his natural position can create various dividends.

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