The bhoys of 2017

Without doubt 2017 will go down as a momentous year in the history of Celtic. Not quite at the same level as 1967 but certainly comparable with any other year in the club's history as they exerted their domination across Scottish football. After the promise of 2016 under Brendan Rodgers the team delivered in 2017 winning both domestic cup competitions, winning the SPFL by 30 points and securing a place in the last 32 of the Europa League after reaching the group phase of the Champions League for the second year running. Over the course of the year there has been a little turnover in the Celtic side but the main players have lasted the course and look good to repeat that success during 2018. Celtic started 2017 with a Scottish Cup win away to Albion Rovers but the action got serious on January 25 when Aberdeen paid a visit. Dedryck Boyata was the unlikely match-winner as Celtic set the tone for their domination of the Dons. Many players have played their part in the success story that has only involved one domestic defeat, Video Celts looks back 11 months to see how the season turned out for the men that set out in the first SPFL match of 2017. CRAIG GORDON It has been a bit of a rocky year for the keeper who started 2017 at the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea. He has had a generally strong year but the last few months have been difficult especially with goals shipped in the Champions League. There's little doubt that he'll be hoping to work with a settled defence in 2018 which may compose of Kris Ajer and Marvin Compper. CRISTIAN GAMBOA The forgotten man of Celtic Park. Last season he looked like posing a threat to Mikael Lustig but his commitment to Costa Rica and the emergence of Anthony Ralston have virtually ended his hoops career. A January move seems a certainty, he'll be featuring at the World Cup Finals in Russia but can't get near a place in the Celtic side. DEDRYCK BOYATA Made an incredible and unexpected comeback during 2017 but most Celtic fans remain sceptical of his ability to be a first pick defender. He returned to the team with a flurry of goals and removed Erk Sviatchenko but after an impressive clean sheet away to Anderlecht things went downhill in the Champions League. Contract talks have started for a new deal but after the Stuart Armstrong saga a year ago Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a quick resolution. JOZO SIMUNOVIC Another year of little progress for the defender who switched international allegiance from Croatia to Bosnia. The first half of the year hinted at promise but injuries have continued to hamper his progress although he signed a contract extension in September. Despite a wonderful tackle that sent Kenny Miller into orbit it looks like he could be running out of chances to nail down a regular Celtic place. KIERAN TIERNEY A fantastic year for the fan, he came back from injury and survived the treatment he received on a weekly basis from the assorted hammer throwers across Scottish football. In years to come he'll look back on 2017 as the year that he captained Celtic and Scotland while completing his 100th appearance. A new six year contract signals his intent, he could have a very impressive medal tally by the end of that deal. SCOTT BROWN The skipper has been outstanding throughout the year although the team now seems more reliant on him that ever. He has put in some incredible displays and is a regular 8 out of 10 and rarely needs rested while others seem to require a regular break. Without question he is now ranked up alongside Celtic's best captains, a vital part of the success that Brendan Rodgers has brought to the club. NIR BITTON Has dropped dramatically down the pecking order with three other midfielders now fighting for a place alongside Scott Brown in midfield. Brendan Rodgers has praised his attitude in turning out as a central defender but it's difficult to see him being a first pick in that position. The Israeli is a very useful squad player but 2018 might be the year that he decides that his career requires regular first team football. JAMES FORREST Despite the constant pressure of Patrick Roberts Jamesy has held on to his place in the side throughout almost all of the year. His performance at home to Bayern Munich was ouystanding but he has been one of the most influential players of the year with a run of important goals including one away to Rosenborg and the opener in the Betfred Cup win over Motherwell. He'll be expecting to add to is impressive medal collection during 2018 and has the full backing of his manager. STUART ARMSTRONG It has certainly been a year of two half's for the midfielder- outstanding last term but looking disposable now after an unsatisfactory contract settlement. He was a driving force towards last season's treble but has rarely been so influential this season and is far from a first pick. January could be a big month, with his deal running out in June 2019 there will need to be a decision one way or the other in 2018. SCOTT SINCLAIR Is apprently off form but remains a major goal threat and creator when it comes to goals for others. True he hasn't quite scaled last season's heights but remains a vital part of Brendan Rodgers' plans. He'll be looking for a greater level of consistency in the second half of the season but that can often be elusive for players in his role. MOUSSA DEMBELE It seems that his year drew to a halt in March with the first of a number of niggling injuries. During February he was in devastating form highlighted by a second half hat-trick away to St Johnstone. His place is no longer quite as assured as it was a year ago but he remains a massive asset and goal threat. ERIK SVIATCHENKO (sub) Was an 83rd minute substitute in that 1-0 win over Aberdeen that kicked off 2017 and has been sliding out of the picture ever since. His downfall remains something of a mystery but while Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata have been given chances the door has closed on the Dane. His next move will be watched with interest. PATRICK ROBERTS (sub) He appeared just past the hour against Aberdeen and has had his work cut out to get into the starting XI. The Manchester City kid managed that in the final month of last season but dound himself on the outside again before a second loan deal was agreed. With his hamstring injury it could be a while before he is seen again in a Celtic jersey. LEIGH GRIFFITHS (sub) Started and finishe 2017 on the bench but that can't disguise the influential role that he played over the year. He came into the side during the Scottish Cup semi-final and ensured that the season finished undefeated. When it came to the Champions League qualifiers he made a big contribution then netted the opener away to Anderlecht in a memorable Champions League success.

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