There was a little bit of thunder stealing at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon as the return of Henrik Larsson to the East End of Glasgow raised as big a cheer as the three trophies that were paraded in front of a support who turned out to pay homage to their club captain.
A gathering of names past and present turned out to honour Scott Brown for the decade of service he has had with Celtic as a Parkhead select drew 2-2 with Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland side.
“When I first signed for Celtic, my aim was just to get in the team and play,” reflected Brown in the aftermath of his day.” It was a great team at the time. Luckily enough, I am still digging my heels in after 11 years and still playing.”
Read more: Martin O'Neill insists Brendan Rodgers can follow up double treble with Celtic European success
The events at Hampden yesterday afternoon ensured that it was always going to be an afternoon of celebration but the return of Larsson and O’Neill to their old stomping ground brought forth significant cheer while the outgoing Patrick Roberts was given the send-off that he had craved at the national stadium.
Coming on for just less than half hour of the game still to play, Larsson almost took the roof off when he replaced former Celt Charlie Mulgrew, with the Swede arriving to much fanfare.
At 46, Larsson physically still looked good enough to get a game, although one ballooned free-kick towards the end of the game perhaps underlined the fact that age catches up with us all.
Those goals came after an opening strike from Alan Browne before Callum O’Dowda has restored Ireland’s lead after the break.
Roberts left the pitch to a warm send off as he looks to embark on the next chapter of his career after a 2.5 year loan spell at the club, while the arrivals of Hampden goalscorer Olivier Ntcham and the addition of Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele gave the crowd something else to applaud. O’Neill got a welcome as warm as that of Larsson and the former Celtic manager was in expansive mood after the game as he insisted that a strong Rangers next season will only benefit Rodgers’ side as they look to go and make an impact in European football.
Today marks the fifteenth anniversary of Celtic going to the UEFA Cup final in Seville and O’Neill beleives such a feat can still be replicated. “I don’t think it’s impossible,” said the Irishman. “Brendan is dominating Scottish football just now and Celtic have been very strong. The next step now is to try to achieve success in Europe. Hopefully those days are not gone and it would be nice, imagine me saying this, if Rangers could get stronger.
Read more: Tam McManus: The gap is huge - don’t bet against a Celtic triple treble
“That seems as if it might be on the cards and a good, strong Rangers is good for the league. And actually, it will benefit Celtic to get stronger in Europe.Why? Well, Celtic don’t rest on their laurels in Scotland but if the competition gets stronger, they will rise to it.
“If Rangers are in a position to delve into the transfer market and get some decent players, it will be a reminder to Celtic. They are dominating the league and are very strong. In Brendan’s time, they have not been casual at all.
“They have won six competitions but I think he would welcome it too.Personally, I think Steven Gerrard is a really good appointment, There is always a viewpoint in terms of inexperience but he is bringing Gary McAllister along, who has lots of experience. The combination should be good and I think he will be really good for Rangers. Steven was a brilliant player and that doesn’t always materialise into being a brilliant manager.. But he has all the attributes and he wants to have a go. And why not?”
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