Celtic

Were you at Dens Park or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here, external.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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A difficult one to analyse for Celtic, who are still on course to win the title by a huge margin despite dropping two points.

Perhaps a concern for Brendan Rodgers will be his side's recent away form. They have now won just one of their last four on the road following draws against both Dundee clubs, defeat at Rangers and Saturday's victory at Ross County.

That slight, slight blip away from home will almost certainly not impact their pursuit of another Premiership crown, but Rodgers will be keen to address that, plus their slackness in defence, with big Champions League games on the horizon.

The Celtic boss will also be disappointed by his team's inability to put the game to bed before Dundee grabbed their first equaliser, with Adam Idah's form a worry.

The former Norwich striker, who failed to get on the end of a dangerous Kyogo Furuhashi cross at close range with Celtic one up, is now without a goal in 12 games and was removed on the hour after failing to have a notable impact on the match.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It was a disappointing result from our perspective. We had lots of control in the first 40 minutes, then we give away a needless goal from a counter attack.

"We concede and that gives them impetus heading into the second half. We go in front but give away two really disappointing goals that we should deal with.

"I give credit to the players, they kept going. But for our standard, that second half has to be better.

"We were too passive. Too slow. With the ball, just not aggressive enough.

"Tonight was about doing the basics of the game well and we did not do that well enough."

Tino
Fan writer

If Kyogo Furuhashi doesn't want to be at Celtic beyond this January transfer window then he's got a funny way of showing it.

Two goals in Dingwall on Sunday, followed by the obligatory dance in front of the travelling away support after the game rounded off yet another impressive day at the office for our talismanic striker.

The Japan striker turns 30 in under a weeks' time, and whether he sees his future elsewhere or not, there can be no doubting his commitment to the club at this moment in time while he remains Brendan Rodgers' number one striker.

It's a difficult month for managers with the inevitable speculation of who stays and who goes, but with massive Champions League games against Young Boys and Aston Villa on the horizon, there can be no doubt that Rodgers' will once again look to Kyogo to play a key role.

The recruitment team may well have earmarked potential alternatives, and in football you just never know, but as we near the halfway point of the window it would seem a high risk move to replace a player who's fast approaching 100 goals for the club.

The hope, personally, is that Kyogo continues to celebrate his birthday here in his adopted city of Glasgow for at least another year or so.

Elsewhere, fringe players Stephen Welsh and Odin Thiago Holm have already secured loan moves to Belgium and the USA respectively, and other exits – temporary or otherwise – are likely to follow in the coming weeks.

However from a fans point of view, it's the potential of new arrivals that will always generate the most excitement.

Will Rodgers' get the left winger that he seems to crave? Is a No.10 in his plans? And will we see another contender to Greg Taylor's throne arrive at the club?

We'll have those answers in a short couple of weeks, but in the meantime, the team continue to navigate the relentless fixture schedule that January has thrown up.

Tonight's clash with Dundee will be our fifth game of nine this month alone, and once again some smart squad management will be required to keep the players at optimal levels for the challenges that lie ahead.

Following the blip at Ibrox (we've all agreed it's a blip, haven't we?) the side have responded in the best way possible with three league wins on the bounce – scoring nine goals, and conceding just one.

It'd be a bold move to bet against them making it four in a row at Dens Park, where a win would result in an incredible 18-point lead at the top of the table.

Overall, it's a month that'll be judged just as importantly for what happens off the field as on it, and on that note lets hope for good news on all fronts over these next couple of weeks.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Cameron Carter-Vickers admits "it's nice to know other clubs are taking notes" of his performances, but insists his focus remains with Celtic.

The USA international signed a new deal with the Scottish champions in January of last year, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2029, but has reportedly been of interest to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, external in recent weeks.

While previewing Celtic's trip to Dundee on Tuesday night, the defender warned "a lot of stuff you read is not always true," when asked about such speculation.

"And for me, as long as I'm here, I'm prepared to play each game to the best that I can," he said.

"It's always nice to know that people are kind of taking notes of your performances, but again, like I was saying, you never really know how true it is when you just read it in the paper or on a website or anything like that."

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• Dundee are winless in 44 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D6, L38) since a 2-0 victory in May 2001. The Dark Blues have lost their last 11 games in a row against the league leaders.

• Dundee have kept the fewest clean sheets of any side in the Scottish Premiership this season (1), with Tony Docherty's side conceding in each of their last 14 league games since a 1-0 win over Motherwell in October.

• No side has dropped more points from winning positions at home in the league this season than Dundee (11), who have gone 1-0 up in both of their last two league games at Dens Park but won neither (D1, L1).

• Celtic are unbeaten in their last 35 away games at Dundee in all competitions (W28, D7) since a 1-0 defeat in September 1988.

• Celtic have won each of their last eight league games played on a Tuesday by an aggregate score of 19-2, although the last match they failed to win on this day of the week in the Scottish Premiership was away to Dundee (0-0 in April 2016).

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Twenty-four-year-old Celtic winger Luis Palma's proposed move to Rayo Vallecano has collapsed after the Spanish club were placed under a transfer ban. (Sun), external

United States defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, 27, feels "very settled" at Celtic. (Record), external

Celtic winger Hyun-jun Yang, 22, is urged to be "more efficient" by manager Brendan Rodgers. (Herald - subscription), external

New Aberdeen defender Kristers Tobers, 24, was recommended to Celtic and Rangers in 2017. (Sun), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee could hand a debut to new left-back Imari Samuels, while Lyall Cameron and Finlay Robertson have a chance of returning from injury, but Billy Koumetio (ankle), Antonio Portales, Jordan McGhee, Ziyad Larkeche (all hamstring), Joe Shaughnessy (knee) and Scott Fraser (groin) are all set to remain sidelined.

Celtic have Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma back in their squad and will give Daizen Maeda every chance of shaking off a strain. James Forrest remains on the sidelines with a foot injury.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Scottish Premiership game at Dundee (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nicolas Kuhn is back available for selection having missed the 4-1 win against Ross County, while fellow winger Daizen Maeda - who was also absent last time out - will be assessed on Tuesday before the game.

• Rodgers says he is not concerned by Adam Idah's lack of goals currently, and backed the Republic of Ireland striker to come good in front of goal. Rodgers also pointed out how his teams do not rely on one player to score, and goals are spread throughout his squad.

• Says he is "delighted" for Johnny Kenny, who Rodgers believes has returned from his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers a better player. Says there will be a decision made soon as to whether his development is better served at Celtic or with another loan spell.

• On Dundee, Rodgers expects Tony Docherty's team to be "tight and compact". Says it is about Celtic staying patient and taking chances when they arise.

• Rodgers is determined to bring new players to Parkhead during the January window to provide a "freshness" for the second half of the season, but would not reveal how many signings he has in mind.

• When asked about speculation linking Kyogo with a move away from the club, Rodgers says the Japan striker is "just the same guy" and will be involved against Dundee. Suggested a perceived lack of goal celebration against Ross County may have been down to the amount of goals he scores or the freezing temperatures in Dingwall.

• Rodgers added he will not keep any player at Celtic who doesn't want to be at the club.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Arne Engels: Arrived in a blaze of glory and started the season well. Then had a bit of a lull and spells out of the team. Held his nerve from the spot against Ross County and praised by his manager for his authority on the ball, confidence and consistency.

Kyogo Furuhashi: Played in a slightly different role on the right and he excelled. Trickery, intelligence and sharpness are the hallmarks of his game and they shone through against Ross County.

Plus the small matter of bagging two goals. Top player and joint top scorer in the Premiership with Sam Dalby of Dundee United on 10.

Atlanta have "cooled their interest" in Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi and are instead targeting ex-Hoops forward Odsonne Edouard of Crystal Palace or Emmanuel Latte Lath of Middlesbrough. (Tom Bogert on X)

Celtic winger Luis Palma will join La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on loan, with negotiations in the final stage and an agreement already reached for the 24-year-old to fly to Madrid this week to complete the move. (Estadio Deportivo)

Callum McGregor has described Celtic's agonising defeat to Rangers earlier this month as "a good one" – because it drove home to the Scottish champions how painful losing can be and provoked a positive reaction. (The Herald)

Arsenal fans reacted positively to Kieran Tierney's rare outing in the FA Cup - but there remains a chance an agreement could be reached this month that could see the left-back move back to Celtic. (Scottish Sun)

Arsenal fans are touting Tierney to start against Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham in a season-defining north London derby on Wednesday night after giving him a rapturous welcome against Manchester United. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch highlights of Ross County's 4-1 defeat against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. (UK users only)

We asked for your views on Celtic's 4-1 win against Ross County.

Here's what some of you said:

Ray: Winner's performance overall, adapting well to conditions underfoot. Kyogo Furuhashi reminding everyone of the form of two seasons ago and linking well with Adam Idah. Tremendous mentality in the final third of game and although 4-1 flattered, it was top-class game management.

Simon: I think that will go down as one of our performances of the season at a notoriously difficult ground to visit. Despite the inhospitable conditions Celtic were fast, fluid and creative, midfield to attack was brilliant. Kyogo was outstanding in his changed role and position and big shoutout Yang Hyun-Jun who was relentless. What a team!

Malcolm: I thought Celtic put in a better work ethic both off and on the ball, the tempo was good, could have been more, but three points and onwards to more silverware.

Bear: Three points in tough conditions. We were second best after half-time, the stats and possession tell a much different story. Well-deserved winners.

Shaun: Was delighted with the team, especially in terrible conditions. Arne Engels and Alex Valle were superb and Kyogo did what he does best. I am still not impressed with Idah and his body language says a lot about him, but apart from that, a great team performance.

Ken: Another important three points away from home, however Brendan Rodgers has to stop playing Yang. He is simply not good enough to wear the jersey. Needs to be moved on as soon as possible.

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Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for young striker Johnny Kenny after the Irishman made his Celtic debut in the 4-1 win over Ross County.

The 21-year-old returned from a successful loan spell at Shamrock Rovers - where he scored 25 goals - to come off the bench in the 73rd minute and have a shot saved before setting up Luke McCowan's injury-time strike.

"It was absolutely brilliant," Rodgers said of Kenny's cameo. "A young Irish guy who came in a few years ago and he obviously went back out and did really well. He scored goals regularly, scored in Europe for Shamrock.

"To then come in and be given that opportunity, I was so pleased for him because it just means everything to him and for any of the young players. He's deserved that wee runout that he's had.

"He came in, him and Luke, he energised the game. [Liam] Scales, he came in and just shores the game up for us because they go big and direct, and that gave us that extra height. But for [Kenny] in particular, it's really good."

The Celtic manager also shone a spotlight on Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, who scored from the spot at the second attempt after his first penalty was saved by Jordan Amissah, but the County keeper had strayed from his line.

"I just think you see the confidence in him now and the happiness he's playing with," Rodgers said.

"He's playing with authority. That's what you need to do when you're playing as a midfield player for Celtic, you need to have that authority.

"He's been on a great run of form, great consistency and you've just got to keep it going."

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• Kyogo Furuhashi has netted 10 goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), making him joint top scorer with Dundee United's Sam Dalby.

• Jordan White has scored five goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), no Ross County player has more.

• Celtic have scored in 20 of their 22 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Ross County have scored in their last seven games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 11 games from 11 December 2021 to 9 February 2022.

• Celtic have won their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winning streak was from 27 October to 7 December, a run of seven.

Trabzonspor want to sign Celtic and Scotland left-back Greg Taylor, 27. (Record), external

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is eager to keep hold of Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi, 29. (Herald - subscription), external

Sondre Orjasaeter, 21, is aware of interest from Celtic and his club, Sarpsborg, want £7m for the winger. (Record), external

Athens Kallithea manager Massimo Donati, the former Celtic player, would like to return to Scotland "one day". (Sun), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Celtic survived a scare at Ross County by producing a late burst of goals to stretch their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit to 18 points.

Jordan White's second-half penalty had brought the hosts level, but Kyogo Furhahshi added his second in the 81st minute before a retaken Arne Engels penalty in stoppage time and Luke McCowan strike added gloss to the scoreline.

Both sides had their chances in the first half and there were screams for a penalty from Celtic when Reo Hatate went down in the County box under pressure from Eli Campbell, but play was waved on and the Video Assistant Referee was happy to let the action continue.

Kyogo fired Celtic into the lead minutes after missing a gilt-edged chance as he poked in a lovely cross from right-back Alistair Johnston.

Celtic fans, were you out braving the cold in Dingwall or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the game.

Have your say, external.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "I think the team put in a great effort.

"We dominated the first half I felt and we should have been more than one goal ahead.

"When they scored and pulled it back we showed that mentality the team have. That resilience we have as a team, it's about finding a way to keep going. I thought the players were fantastic in cold, cold conditions. Today is about mentality and commitment. I'm just delighted for the three points.

"The game won't be as fast as what we'd normally like but you have to adapt and meet that challenge. the players did that. once you get pegged back we kept the calmness, made a few changes and the guys who came on did very well.

"It was never going to be perfect but I really liked what Kyogo [Furuhashi] did. We asked him to, as we progressed throughout he pitch, to be a bit more central. I thought the three guys on that side, him Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston, looked to find the best solutions that the game needed.

"Normally we play with out-and-out wingers and numbers inside but we had to adapt it today. He coped really well and he has the goal threat."