Well, that was quite a movie!
From a Hoops point of view, things improved markedly after the short interlude.
Brendan Rodgers will now take his men to Norway next week defending a two-goal lead.
With 3-1 scoreline it is advantage Celtic.
Rosenborg, as was seen by their goal last night, are a highly efficient counter-attacking side.
Next week they will have to overturn a two-goal deficit.
If Celtic can score in Norway then they should progress in the competition.
There has been more than a little grumbling from the Parkhead support about the lack of activity in the transfer market.
This concern is, in my opinion, justified.
When Jack Hendry was signed I asked a player of my acquaintance to give me his assessment of the kid.
He told me that he was the most promising lad that he had played with, but that, as a centre-half he had a lot to learn.
That was cruelly exposed last night when he surrendered possession in a dangerous area.
That error ignited the breakaway by the visitors that led to their vital away goal.
I touched base with a valued source yesterday who told me that Celtic might have been parading a new defender a couple of weeks ago.
“The Desmond jet was fuelled up and it was in Germany. Everything, but the player’s signature was on the contract. Then another offer came in from southern Europe. It was game over.”
I’m told that a fee was involved and that it would have justified the term “pushing the boat out”.
He continued that “three players have been identified, one is in the EPL the other two are in the Championship”.
He told me that essentially anyone in England who might be considering a move is waiting on the announcement of the 25man squads.
Of course, that potential trio does not include John McGinn.
The Hibernian player wants to move to Celtic.
A bid of £2.25m plus Scott Allan remains on the table for the Easter Road club.
Celtic value their midfielder at £1m.
So that is a total bid of £3.25 m.
I understand from another source that Neil Lennon has identified three players that he could bring in for the McGinn cash and he certainly rates Scott Allan.
If there is no movement on the impasse then the McGinn might have to make his own move in January with a pre-contract.
It was certainly the Celtic plan that he would already have been at Lennoxtown by now training with his new teammates.
The stunning contribution of Olivier Ntcham last night was further evidence of the prescience of the Celtic scouting operation.
Moreover, the SPFL champions are now highly regarded in the EPL where young players like Paddy Roberts can improve and develop.
I think it is fair to say that it is the only club in Glasgow that is so highly regarded.
Recently Sevco approached Citeh and inquired about a kid in their Under 18 set up for a loan.
They were rebuffed.
Then Sevco’s Director of Fantasy was sent back a second time to ask again.
The “NO” was just said again, but this time with the volume turned up.
Awkward…
Tonight the basket of assets is in action in Croatia.
Therefore, The People have another opportunity to showcase their smorgasbord of hatreds.
Which means that those nice people at Show Racism the Red Card will probably have to work on another “damage control” statement.
Very sad…
