Season › 2014-15 › News
Scotland edge Celtic clash
All three of the Blues' fit Irish internationals were named in the starting XI — James McCarthy was ruled out yesterday with a hamstring injury — while Naismith started for the Scots and all four players appear to have come through a full-blooded "derby-esque" encounter at Celtic Park unscathed.
Ireland had the better of the opening exchanges but McGeady, left to shoulder the relentless booing from the home faithful in McCarthy's absence, was yellow-carded after 15 minutes for a late tackle as Scotland began to come more into it.
Goalless at half time, the encounter remained highly competitive going into the second half where McGeady forced the first save of the second period from David Marshall and Coleman was booked for blocking Andrew Roberton's run down the flank with almost an hour gone.
Gibson was withdrawn in the 68th minute, replaced by Stephe Quinn not long after great work by Naismith had served up a chance in front of goal for substitute Chris Martin but the Derby County striker fired wide.
Scotland did take the lead with a quarter of an hour to go, though, after Jonathan Walters had skimmed a defensive header off his own crossbar. The resulting corner was worked short and Shaun Maloney curled an excellent shot inside the far post and score what proved to be the winner.
Ireland desperately pushed for an equaliser in added time and Hanley headed onto his own bar in a crowded area but the home defence held firm, allowing the Scots to draw level with Martin O'Neill's side with seven points in Group D.
Coleman described the Irish camp as "devastated" after the match but stressed that it was still early in the qualifying campaign.
"We're disappointed," Coleman said. "We came here to win the game, and it was important that we didn't lose, but unfortunately we didn't do that.
"We might have switched off a bit for the corner. We're all disappointed, but it's early in the group, and we've got to move on."
Reader Comments (25)
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2 Posted 14/11/2014 at 19:58:38
3 Posted 14/11/2014 at 19:59:39
I see Baines has pulled out of the England squad due to injury.
4 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:01:35
5 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:08:21
6 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:34:16
7 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:35:53
8 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:38:43
9 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:52:02
10 Posted 14/11/2014 at 20:59:33
They certainly don't look short of motivation tonight. I'm struggling to remember a game like it in the last couple of seasons. Been a while since we've had a competitive international derby like this. Nothing like seeing players forgetting about the money and really going for it.
11 Posted 14/11/2014 at 21:39:11
12 Posted 14/11/2014 at 21:46:34
13 Posted 14/11/2014 at 21:50:32
14 Posted 14/11/2014 at 22:51:32
15 Posted 14/11/2014 at 23:40:19
16 Posted 14/11/2014 at 23:55:34
17 Posted 14/11/2014 at 23:56:59
Fabulous goal. Nice heel and clean one-timer.
18 Posted 15/11/2014 at 00:36:07
Marshall looked better than Howard but right now everyone looks better than Howard.
19 Posted 15/11/2014 at 02:47:35
21 Posted 15/11/2014 at 08:32:13
I took a particular interest in the Toffees on show. Naismith was outstanding, his best position is centrally as a second striker. Which is where Barkley, Eto'o and Naismith all play. Not one of the three is nearly as effective when played wider. How do we accommodate all three? As a diamond perhaps, with Lukaku, Eto'o up top and Naismith in behind. Barkley further back? Who knows over to you Roberto, make it work!
Gibson was neat and tidy, got stuck in and with the injuries to McCarthy and Barry, perhaps Gibson and Barkley with Besic just behind is they way forward? He's an excellent player and won't let us down if he starts the next few games. Stay fit though lad.
Coleman was excellent as ever, what more can you say about him? And McGeady, well a typical McGeady performance as far as I could tell. At times he looked really good, at other times he looked uninterested and terrible. At least its not just with us that the next person to touch the ball after McGeady plays for the other team.
22 Posted 15/11/2014 at 08:55:40
23 Posted 15/11/2014 at 09:47:16
I’d love to see him at Everton.
24 Posted 15/11/2014 at 11:17:26
I must say also as many have alluded to, it was not sophisticated football, but 'What a match to watch' – I couldn't take my eyes off the game for one second. True passion and National Pride from both sides, a credit to International Football, in this day and age of demanding ridiculous wages and appearance money etc.
It's a pity in many ways that there had to be a loser, but I think both sides will have gained many admirers, and respect too from neutrals.
I refer to Ian (#12) and Colin (#13), with regards to David Marshall, who I have always admired and was hoping that Roberto would have gone for, when the window was open and Cardiff got relegated, but he seems to think El Teflon is the answer – I totally disagree.
25 Posted 15/11/2014 at 11:44:38
26 Posted 15/11/2014 at 13:16:28
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1 Posted 14/11/2014 at 19:53:51