HART SHOWING WHY HE IS NUMBER ONE
Benjamin Siegrist moved to Celtic in the summer after being released from Dundee United, and as he signed on the dotted line at Parkhead, he confirmed that he would be giving his all to challenge Joe Hart for the No1 jersey. Going by today’s showing it certainly looks like Hart will be up for the fight after he pulled off a string of impressive saves. The former England international also showed his organisational qualities as he constantly communicated with the defence in front of him. Hart was a key performer last term, and he will need to continue to produce this season. He had a slight error in his 45-minute stint for Rapid Vienna’s first goal, but he will undoubtedly look to blame the slack back pass from Cameron Carter-Vickers.
STRIKING OPTIONS
Ange Postecoglou certainly has options in his striking ranks and Giorgios Giakoumakis, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda all impressed in Vienna. The trio were given extra time off due to their international commitments, but they looked sharp and ready from the off in Austria. Giakoumakis’ hold-up play was impressive, and he linked with his attacking teammates brilliantly. Maeda was his usual energetic self and his pressing caused Vienna problems from the left flank. Kyogo was introduced at half-time and made an instant impact as he centred for David Turnbull to get on the scoresheet before finding the back of the net himself minutes later. Exciting displays all-round that will give Hoops boss Postecoglou plenty to think about going forward.
TURNBULL ON FORM
With Tom Rogic now having departed Celtic, the season ahead is a huge one for David Turnbull. He has been in and out of Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI since the Aussie took over, but you get a sneaky suspicion this upcoming campaign could see the Scotland international utilised more. Turnbull was introduced at half-time against Vienna and he scored and assisted during his 45 minutes on the park. He looked a threat from the second half whistle and formed a tidy attacking partnership with Kyogo. Postecoglou knows what Turnbull is capable of and he will be hoping the 22-year-old can produce these levels on a more consistent basis.
