Ujpest Dozsa returned to competitive action after a three month winter break to draw 1-1 with Paks today in the League Cup.
After five weeks back in training for the resumption of the league next weekend Willie McStay’s side had the unusual experience of playing on an artificial pitch with most of Hungry gripped by snow.
Next Sunday’s league match with Gyor already looks in danger of being postponed but the former Celtic reserve boss was pleased with today’s outing.
McStay said: “That was the first competitive game that we have played on astro turf. I have been working at Ujpest for 7 months now, and I cannot remember us playing in such windy conditions.
“Astro turf and strong winds – is not the best combination, but the attitude of the players was spot on. We dictated play in the first half, and could have made more chances perhaps. Paks scored with their only chance, which I am disappointed with.
“We will have Peter Kabat and Zsolt Korcsmar back for the next game, which will strengthen our team. It is also hard to see where we are at the moment as we have not yet played on grass.”
The Hungarian transfer window remains open for another week with McStay hopeful than he can hold onto centre half Korcsmar who spent four days training with Celtic in December.
He added: “All of the teams around us have been adding to their squads during the break but I’m just hoping that we can hold on to Korcsmar.
“It’s going to be difficult to repeat what we achieved in the first half of the season but I’ve told our players that our opponents can only field eleven players.
“Ideally I’d liked to have added to the squad but the players that we have have did well for us.
“If we can keep this group together, keep everyone fit and get off to a good start when the league resumes we’ll be in for an exciting time.”
Ujpest website
Hungarian league table
Celtic’s u-19 side face Dundee United at Tannadice tomorrow in the quarter final of the SFA Youth Cup, kick-off 2pm
Ujpest website
Hungarian league table
Celtic’s u-19 side face Dundee United at Tannadice tomorrow in the quarter final of the SFA Youth Cup, kick-off 2pm
Joe, Thanks for this….
Taken my mind off yesteday's shambles…..
I'm a big fan of Willie , who is a really nice guy, and I wish him all the best in the forthcomong season.
It's good to know that a Celtic man might win something this year.
Willie has been dropped in at the deep end with Ujpest but has mixed his principles with the Hungarian characteristics to do a very impressive job so far.