| Maloney saves Celtic to keep Double
alive  With
Richard Purden
Celtic battled for a hard-fought victory over Motherwell as Gordon Strachan
led Celtic to their first final under his reign.
Irish Celtic fanatic Richie Foran gave Motherwell a sensational 11th minute
lead at Fir Park before Zurawki levelled on half-time. But it was Shaun
Maloney, who is now looking at extending his Celtic contract who saved
Celtic from yet another embarrassment this season.
Maloney was honest enough to admit afterwards that this was yet another
poor performance from the Hoops.
He said: “We didn’t play well but we will take the result.
I thought Motherwell were the better team and I’m sure they will
be sick. It’s massive because it’s the manager’s first
final but we know we need to improve. We are just happy to be there.”
Meanwhile the mass exodus out of Parkhead continues as Didier Agathe was
freed by the club. The French player is another Seville veteran who failed
to settle under Gordon Strachan. Agathe had been on trial at Middlesbrough.
When the club decided not to offer him a deal he failed to return to Celtic
for training last week citing illness. The excuse failed to impress Parkhead
bosses who immediately terminated his contract.
While Celtic fans are concerned about the shape of their team many were
left scratching their heads at the signing of Dion Dublin.
The 36-year-old was as surprised as the Parkhead faithful to get the call.
He said: “It was a complete and utter shock. I heard a couple of
days ago and it was amazing that a club of Celtic’s stature wanted
to sign me at this stage of my career.
“I can understand where the fans are coming from. A club this size
wants up-and-coming flair players which they deserve. But I think in the
short-term the manager wants a player who can play in a few positions.
Looking at that he’s got two for one, someone he can trust, which
I value very highly.”
This weekend Celtic will face Rangers at Ibrox. The Govan club are entering
one of the bleakest moments in their history as they crashed out of the
Scottish Cup last weekend 3-0 to a rampant Hibs. Northern Irishman Ivan
Sproule provided the second goal. Rangers had to escape their own stadium
as fans shouted abuse at the team and board demanding change. Remarkably
it was Hibs first Scottish Cup win at Ibrox in 55 years.
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