Caley 0-0 Celtic: Champions catch a case of TB

By: Ian Rose | February 1st, 2009

That’s Terry Butcher … we haven’t resorted to biological warfare. Yet.

On an astoundingly bright and sunny day in Inverness, my beloved Caley Thistle began life under new manager Butcher with a tough assignment – to host the defending (and by standings, current) SPL champions, Celtic. Former manager (but still Caley man) Charlie Christie had it right – this was actually a perfect match for the new boss to start on. Lose, and it’s business as usual. Anything more, and there’s something for the fans to cheer him on for.

This team is in no way a finished product. Dougie Imrie played a fine game until he was in front of goal with a chance to score … at which point he got a bit giddy and kicked the ball every direction but straight forward. Perhaps he dreams of putting that foot to work in the Super Bowl someday, kicking the game-winning field goal, because that’s about the height he got on his last shot of the match.

I shouldn’t be so hard on Dougie – he did play quite well – he’s just not a striker. His best efforts this season have come as an attacking mid / set up man, a position we desperately need and appreciate. So well done overall to the Doog. Well done also to our two new signings, Richie Foran and Eric Odhiambo. The former played about 75 minutes and played well for being signed about a day ago. The latter came on quite late, but got a decent shot on goal in the closing minutes to help keep the pressure on Boruc in the Celtic goal. Welcome, lads – we’re happy to have you both.

Frankly, as a fan of the sport, no one likes a 0-0 draw, and I like goals as much as the next guy. Actually, being based in the US, I like goals significantly more than the next guy, since you can pretty much guarantee the next guy doesn’t watch football unless there are pads and helmets. Still, as much as I like to see goals, especially for my Caley, a point and a clean sheet has to be considered a good result from the champions. This is a Celtic team that scored 30 more goals than us through the 23 matches of the SPL season preceding this one. 30 more.

It’s true that both Hamilton and Falkirk won this weekend, and that this point actually still leaves us four points deep in the relegation zone, but this isn’t a time for worry – that starts again tomorrow. This is a time to enjoy a good effort, maybe a bit of luck on our side, and look forward to what promises to be a fight to stay up. Mon the Caley.