A Dose Of The Mondays

Aye aye all, fit like theday? Coming back through Amsterdam Airport the other day, Inside Left was surprised to see lots of people in Celtic strips crowding out the airport bar, their gentle singing and foul language, the sort used by sailors on shore leave, making us think of the last time Inside Left visited Parkhead when Aberdeen lost 7-0 to Celtic. We weren't altogether sure why they where here (the Rijksmuseum is closed and this years Van Gogh exhibition has come in for a lot of criticism, surely someone would have told them not to bother making the trip?) until we switched on the telly last night when suddenly it all became clear. Read on ...  

Scottish Premier League

Celtic's pre-season campaign continued in Rotterdam yesterday as they beat Feyenoord in Rotterdam (3-1).  Feyenoord, who beat Celtic in the European Cup Final in 1970 where hosting a centenary tournament to celebrate the 100th year of football on the south side of Rotterdam. The tournament has not gone well though for Feyenoord, having lost to Borussia Dortmund (1-2) on Friday, while Celtic went into the game on the back of a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur (2-0). The Glasgow side got off to a good start on 12 minutes when George Samaras took advantage of a defensive error following a free kick and swept the ball past Ekramy in the Feyenoord goal. Four minutes later Celtic where two goals up - Vennegoor of Hesselink headed past the keeper after defender Andre Bahia misjudged the flight of the ball allowing the Celtic striker to score. He added a third just before half-time when he was given time in the box to control the ball and drive a smart finish into the far corner of the net. Despite a late goal from Leroy Fer, Feyenoord (who included former Rangers player Michael Mols) finished their own competition bottom of the group, clutching a large wooden spoon. Celtic play Manchester City tomorrow (6th August) in their last pre-season game before the defence of their league title starts on Saturday. Gordon Strachan is still hoping to land Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas who is said to be keen on a move to Parkhead while the club should hear this week whether or not Auxerre's rated Romanian defender Gabrial Tamas will move to Celtic. In the meantime, offers are still being sought for high earning bench-warmers Bobo Balde and Thomas Graveson.

Following the cancellation of their game against Go Ahead Eagles, Aberdeen managed to arrange another game against local side SV Rietvogels. A 10-0 scoreline for the Dons rounded off the pre-season tour of Holland, with trailist Dyon Camero scoring four. Aberdeen return to the north-east for their last pre-season game on Tuesday night when they take on Inverurie Locos at Harlaw Park. Aberdeen have also recorded an advert, to be shown on STV over the next few weeks. Part of the the "Your City Your Team" campaign" the advert relives the game against Copenhagen last season set against some city scenes. Watch the advert here.

Rangers' injury woes continue as Carlos Cuellar looks to be out for the second leg of their Champions League Qualifier against FB Kaunas in Lithuania on Tuesday. The Spanish defender was injured in the friendly against Raith Rovers. Match preview courtesy of Scotzine.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has demanded his side show 'killer instinct following the win over newly promoted Premiership side Hull City (1-0). The club are still waiting for a work permit that will take David Obua to Tynecastle but Laszlo insists no new strikers are on the radar in time for the start of the season against Motherwell.

Inverness Caley Thistle hope to sign Stoke City striker Adam Rooney. With the uncertainty about Romanian striker Marius Niculae finally cleared up when he signed for Dinamo Bucharest, manager Craig Brewster is hoping that Rooney will prove an adequate replacement. The 20 year-old (no relation to Wayne Rooney) is an U17 Irish international and has spent most of his time with the Potters on loan, most recently with Bury.

Falkirk look set to sign former Aberdeen striker Steve Lovell this week. The 27 year-old was released by Aberdeen at the end of last season and has turned down  offers from Hibernian and Kilmarnock for his services. The Bairns meanwhile lost heavily away to Dutch Premiership side SC Heerenveen (4-0) as they completed their Dutch tour. Earlier, John Hughes' men beat Veendam (2-0) and lost to SC Cambuur (1-0).

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen says he'll release up to eight players who "are not up to the standard required". That much has been pretty obvious given their performances in the pre-season so far. Knocked out of the Intertoto, panelled by Clyde and Barcelona, the Hibs boss is fast becoming our odd-on favourite for first managerial casualty of the season if this kind of form continues. The side travels to Kilmarnock on Saturday.

CIS Insurance Cup

It's a busy first week for the teams below the Premier League. Three days after the start of the 2008/09 season, the sides are back in action as the first round of the CIS Insurance Cup (more familiarly known as the Scottish League Cup) takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The competition is open to all 42 teams in the Premier League and the Football League.

Last years competition was not without incident, as St Mirren where knocked out by East Fife in the Second round and Aberdeen where beaten heavily by Dundee  United in the semi-final. The competition was won by Rangers who beat Dundee United 3-2 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 at the end of regular and extra time. 

This seasons competition starts on Tuesday with the final batch of First round games taking place on Wednesday. We preview the games taking place on Tuesday, which all kick off at 2045.

Montrose vs Cowdenbeath
Two teams that made it to the second round of this competition last season (and no further) at the expense of Stranraer and Dumbarton respectively. Cowdenbeath lost heavily to Annan Athletic at the weekend.  Midfielder Keith Gibson and striker John Baird are available for Montrose while Cowdenbeath must do without Mark Baxter, John O'Neil and John Dempster, all sidelined through injury.

Ross County vs Airdrie
The only tie of the round to feature two teams from the First Division, Ross County enjoy their second home game of the new season when Airdrie United make the long journey north to Dingwal
l. Both sides had disappointing opening day games, County losing to Dundee and Airdrie drawing with Queen of the South.

Dumbarton vs Annan Athletic
Annan Athletic, surprise division leaders following their opening day win over Cowdenbeath travel to Dumbarton who struggled to get going in their 1-1 draw with Montrose on Saturday.

Peterhead vs Dunfermline
Peterhead faces stronger opposition in the form of Dunfermline who travel to the north-east looking for a morale boosting win over the Second Division side. Peterhead are currently second in their league following their opening day win over Alloa Athletic.

Stranraer vs Morton
Stranraer will be hoping to revive their Cup-competition form when they take on Morton at Stair Park; the Blues lost 4-0 to Livingston in the Challenge Cup last month. Morton drew 1-1 away to Clyde on the opening day of the season. Stranraer will miss Kevin Nicoll who is still out with an injury.

Alloa vs Elgin
Both Alloa and Elgin lost heavily at the weekend and both teams find themselves bottom of their respective leagues going into this game. Alloa manager Allan Maitland was disappointed after the defeat and has vowed to return "back to basics" for the game against Elgin City who lost 3-0 away to Stenhousemuir (and also lost their assistant player-manager Kenny Gilbert when he was sent off for handling the ball). Alloa have no selection problems, while Elgin will be without David Niven and striker Martin Charlesworth as manager Robbie Williamson struggles to find a settled team.

Clyde vs Queens Park
Two sides that drew on the opening day of the season, Clyde and Queens Park last met in competitive football back in season 1992/93 when the Bully Wee won every game, including a 3-1 win in this competition. Queens Park have only ever beaten Clyde in the League Cup back in 1980.  Marvyn Wilson is available for Clyde as his suspension, like Raith's Gareth Wardlaw, does not cover Cup games. Queens Park have not reported any injuries following their 2-2 draw at the weekend and travel with a full squad.

Partick Thistle vs Forfar
One of only two previous winners of the competition playing on Tuesday, 1972 winners Partick Thistle take on Forfar at Firhill. Thistle got their season of to a winning start when Stephen McKeown got a late goal for the Jags against Dunfermline. Forfar will be going for only their second away win in two years - their first win came on Saturday against Albion Rovers! Forfar will be hoping to continue their cup successes so far - Forfar beat local rivals Arbroath last month to progress into the next round of the Challenge Cup.

Albion Rovers vs Raith Rovers
The other previous winner of the competition playing tonight, Raith Rovers (winners in 1995) take on Albion Rovers, who play their second home game of the season. A poor opening day for both teams (Albion lost 3-1 to Forfar and Raith drew 0-0 with Ayr) might just spur these two sides into action. Albion will have Alan Reid and Willie Martin back in the lineup. Gareth Wardlaw is available for Raith Rovers, as his three-game suspension does not cover Cup games.

SFA Challenge Cup

While the senior sides are playing in the CIS Insurance Cup, also kicking off is the SFA Challenge Cup.  This competition, not to be confused with the Scottish Challenge Cup is basically a pre-qualifying tournament for the Scottish Cup. Winners of this first round of games enter the Scottish Cup in the First round. The Scottish League teams join the competition in the Third Round. The East and South of Scotland league have already played their fixtures back in February, so we've only got the SFA North Region to go. The fixtures take place on Saturday 9th August, but we mention them here by means of a 'heads-up'.

Nairn County       v Cove Rangers
Fort William       v Shetland
Forres Mechanics   v Deveronvale
Huntly             v Inverurie Locos
Golspie Sutherland v Clachnacuddin
Fraserburgh        v Wick Academy
Lossie/Brora       v Keith
Buckie Thistle     v Rothes

Ok, that's it for today. We're back on Wednesday with all the news, views and updates to keep you up-to-date with everything happening north of the border!