Inter 2 - 0 Celtic

Today's game was a great workout against a very talented team, but it really emphasised where we need to strengthen. We still need a goal keeper, another CB to partner Wilson, A different kind of striker to compliment Hooper and Stokes, who imo are too similar to compliment each other against top level defenders.

Zaluska completely sold the second goal for us with the kind of error which should set alarm bells ringing. Obviously not the answer and if a quality replacement isn't found soon, then letting Pletikosa go might come back to haunt us because I really have my doubts that he can possibly be worse than Zaluska.

Centre halfs also will do ok at SPL level but against quality footballers were found out on a few occasions with a basic ball over the top. Still need to find the right partner for Kelvin Wilson but imo that player isn't currently at Celtic Park.

In Attack we desperately need someone who can give us an aerial. Not necessarily a British type target man, I personally would envisage a continental type player who scores with his head but also has the ability to be creative inside the penalty box and able to link well with Hoops or Stokes. I'm still hoping we will sign Aldo De Nigris who I think would tick these boxes.

Also I'd keep Sammy as a wildcard type of striker, but Maloney should not play for us again. He doesn't have the skills to play in any position really well. He doesn't score enough goals to be a striker, he doesn't have the pace or the skills to be a wide man. Other strikers like Murphy and Rassmusen are just a drain on the wage bill. Celtic need to tone and hone and streamline. We need to shift about 10-12 players and bring in at least 3 key players to really have our squad at its optimum.

On the plus side from today's game, we totally dominated possession for nearly the whole game. We played some lovely football too and it was great to see us sitting at the edge of the Inter penalty area 20-20 yards out looking to pick the pass which would open up the defence. Their keeper must have been man of the match because he made about 5 or 6 good saves to keep us out. we dominated chances on goal but unfortunately their quality told and from our perspective Hooper and Stokes looked a bit rusty.

But some good closing down play, our wing backs ranging forward, nice controlled play and a willingness to take the game to these big name stars and not be bullied or intimidated all bodes well. If we could just get the right goalie, centre half and striker then we could be looking at something pretty special.

Lastly I have to say just how good Charlie Mulgrew played in the first half. This boy is an absolute gem and looked every bit as talanted as the Inter stars he was up against. Didn't see too much of him in the second half but that was because we were basically camped inside the Inter half for almost the whole 45 minutes.

Overall a really good test for our team and the fans inside the stadium really done the lads proud too.