Sandman’s Definitive Festive Ratings – Celtic v Mutton Chops

THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 6/10 – Did fine, relatively speaking, when called into action. Which was mainly due to rocky defending. Couldn’t do much about ten men somehow managing to get anywhere near him, but probably thinks he could have saved the equaliser.

KATIE – 7/10 – Still on? Yep. And still there, ducking in at the back post like a hooped mongoose to steal what would have been the winner. KT making a habit of proving he’s still got the legs for the big moments deep in the game; well, in the last rites actually.

TONY THE TIGER – 6.5/10 – At least the new boss recognises the grafters. Making the most of his default selection until AJ re-appears for his old boss, we’re getting towards peak Ralston season, which should climax with the ceremonial decapitation of a Zombie on January third. Until then, more of this filthy reliability is what’s needed.

CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 7.5/10 MOTM – The Spy Who Came In From The Cold was the performance of Richard Burton’s life; looks like our Yank Who Came In From The Cold is edging towards the season of his life after starting it so far out of the picture his best hope was to sweep the cutting-room floor and glue the few best bits of his Celtic career together for a YouTube highlight reel that might get him a January move. He’s certainly warmed the support to him after surviving the serial-killing psychopath Rodgers’ deep freezer*. And doing so in the most trying of circumstances – an isolated solo centre-back position in an untried system under a sketchy new manager. You got to say he’s nailing it – pinpoint tackling, physical presence, inspiring and influential performances. Now looking like the lynchpin the side will be built around.

*diabolical traits may have been exaggerated.

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