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Former Glasgow Rangers defender Richard Foster has been left slamming the defending by Connor Goldson that led to a Braga goal on Thursday night.

The Lowdown: Semi-final awaits

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team are through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League after beating Braga 3-1 on the night, meaning that they went through 3-2 on aggregate.

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They made hard work of it at times though at Ibrox, conceding a late goal while the visitors were down to ten men to force extra-time, but then got the job done as the Portuguese outfit had another man sent off.

The Latest: ‘Poor’ defending

Speaking on BBC Sportsound (via BBC Sport 21:58pm), Foster was not impressed with Goldson’s defending for Braga’s goal scored by David Carmo, claiming that it was ‘so poor’, and that he lost his man ‘so easily’ and ‘doesn’t stop him running’:

“The defending of the corner was so poor. It was very similar to how poor Braga have been all night at corners. I don’t know how Connor Goldson loses his man so easily, or doesn’t stop him running. Now Braga have something to hold on to.”

The Verdict: Can do better

Goldson will know that he could have done better for their goal, and there were other aspects of his game that were not quite up to scratch.

The central defender lost out on two of his duels, while he also made no interceptions and was inaccurate with a team-high 12 of his long balls, losing possession 22 times in total (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, all of his focus will now be on their Scottish Cup semi-final against bitter rivals Celtic on Sunday afternoon.

In other news, find out which six-foot-two menace Gers are now ‘chasing’ this summer here!

Southampton progressed through to the fourth round of the League Cup on Tuesday night as they beat Sheffield United on penalties.

The Saints and the Blades held each other to a 2-2 draw in regulation time, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side then coming out on top 4-2 from the spot-kicks.

Hasenhuttl has now led his team to six games unbeaten in all competitions and there were a number of impressive performers for the Saints against Slavisa Jokanovic’s team, but one player, in particular, who stole the show was central midfielder Oriol Romeu.

Whilst many fans may look at the two goalscorers, Ibrahima Diallo and Mo Salisu, or goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who saved two penalties, when handing out praise, Romeu deserves a lot of credit as he was outstanding in midfield throughout the game.

Defensively, he was almost faultless for the Saints. Per SofaScore, he won seven of his 11 ground duels and made five tackles, along with one clearance. This shows that he was able to come out on top in his personal battles against United players, highlighting his strength in the middle of the park and his ability to win possession back for his side.

Romeu did not allow United players to get the better of him, which then allowed Southampton to dictate the flow of the game. He snuffed out attacks before they started and kept his team on the front foot.

Offensively, Romeu also stood out. He delivered a brilliant cross for Diallo’s goal and, per SofaScore, he provided two key passes overall, whilst also scoring in the penalty shoot-out.

The Spaniard completed eight of his 10 attempted long passes and had a 100% success rate with crosses and dribbles. He was able to showcase his quality on the ball to progress Southampton up the pitch, stepping up in big moments with the assist and the penalty goal too.

Hasenhuttl will surely have been left buzzing with the ex-Chelsea man’s performance as it showed that he can merge the defensive side of his game with attacking thrust.

Hopefully, he will be able to carry that form over to the Premier League and maintain his place in the starting XI, as it could help push the Saints further up the table.

AND in other news, Possession lost x14: Saints disaster with zero tackles let Ralph down badly…

The Celtic Way journalist Tony Haggerty believes that Joe Hart is relishing the challenge of playing in front of 60,000 people.

The England international completed a move to Celtic from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, penning a three-year deal with the Hoops. On the same day that Celtic announced Hart had signed, they also announced that James McCarthy had arrived on a four-year deal after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Hart has appeared in six games in all competitions for the Hoops so far this season, keeping four clean sheets. His fine form for Celtic hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Celtic fans, with Tony Haggerty telling Football FanCast: “I think he’s relishing the challenge of playing in front of 60,000 people and that becomes addictive for footballers, especially when you’ve had achievements that Joe Hart has, it’s really hard to step away from that kind of limelight, isn’t it? He’s got it back a bit. 

“I think Celtic have been good for Hart as much as Hart has been good for Celtic and he’s maybe got his goalkeeping mojo back and that’s important for footballers I think and I think Joe Hart’s reciprocated that, you know the Celtic supporters just love him.”

Hart’s career achievements have seen him collect two Premier League winners’ medals, two English League Cup winners’ medals and an FA Cup winners medal, along with representing England’s senior team 75 times.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is set to welcome back Anthony Ralston against Real Betis on Thursday, according to Scott Burns of The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Ralston under Postecoglou

The 22-year-old has been one of Celtic’s best-rated performers under Postecoglou, as per WhoScored, with an average match rating of 8.38/10.

He’s netted twice in the Scottish Premiership and has also registered an assist but missed his first game of the 2021/22 campaign against Ross County on the weekend.

It looks like he’ll be back for the Hoops’ opening Europa League group game against Real Betis, though.

The Latest: Ralston update

Burns shared an update on Monday evening regarding Ralston, while all but ruling out Taylor for Betis after revealing he has been sent to an injury specialist regarding his shoulder issue.

When it came to Ralston, though, Burns said the right-back is back in full training and will be available for the trip to Spain.

The Verdict: Good news

Postecoglou has had two injury blows recently in Taylor and Kyogo Furuhashi, so it’s a welcome boost to know that Ralston’s absence will only be a short one.

Should he return to the starting line up, Postecoglou could use summer signing Josip Juranovic at left-back and Ralston on the right side, as he did against Rangers.

Youngster Adam Montgomery replaced Taylor at Parkhead on the weekend, so at least Postecoglou will have options against the La Liga side.

In other news: ‘Could be huge’ – McAvennie ecstatic at what he’s ‘heard’ from ‘a few Celtic people’. 

Manchester United could secure the ideal midfield partner for Paul Pogba after being linked with a move for Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils were reportedly interested in the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services over the summer, although no formal offer was ever made for the Frenchman.

Now though, according to The Express, United are one of three European heavyweights vying for Tchouameni’s signature after a string of impressive performances.

The report also states that fellow Premier League side Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus are keen to snap up the youngster, meaning a bidding war could be on the horizon.

Imagine him & Paul Pogba

After rising up through the ranks at boyhood club Bordeaux, Tchouameni joined Monaco in a big-money move in January 2020 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The youngster made 42 appearances in all competitions for Niko Kovac’s charges last season, scoring three goals and providing a further four assists for his teammates.

However, it’s his work off the ball that really catches the eye. As per WhoScored, Tchouameni averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per league game in 2020/21, by far the highest tally amongst his teammates.

He also made 1.7 interceptions, the joint-highest total when compared to his teammates, and the £27m-rated colossus not only dominated proceedings on the ground but in the air as well, winning 67% of his aerial duels.

Tchouameni’s domineering displays have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including current Monaco teammate Cesc Fabregas, who praised the youngster.

“He has the potential to be a complete midfield player,” the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea maestro wrote on Twitter. And now his compatriot and United star Paul Pogba has lauded his talents.

“He’s not a boy; he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him; he provides a lot, plenty of energy, technical quality and extraordinary physicality. I hope to play plenty of games together and always be on his side,” the World Cup winner said.

Tchouameni got the ideal opportunity to show just how effective his partnership with Pogba could be at Old Trafford after lining up alongside him during France’s National League final victory over Spain.

The duo worked extremely effectively throughout the 90 minutes, with the United star enjoying the attacking freedom that his more disciplined colleague allowed him.

It’s a duo that has the potential to transform Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stuttering engine room, and therefore, football director John Murtough must swoop for Tchouameni over the coming months.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer big injury blow ahead of PL return, Ole will be absolutely gutted

Liverpool are believed to be in the market for another forward player in the current transfer window, but the club have been tipped to make a move for Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland next summer.

What’s the story?

The Reds are one of many clubs  to have been credited with an interest in the Norway international in recent months, and with a reported £70m release clause becoming active in 12 months’ time, a move could well be on the cards.

Former Dortmund star Michael Rummenigge believes that Anfield is a likely destination for the highly-rated 21-year-old, also stating his belief that Kylian Mbappe could end up plying his trade in the Premier League.

“Yes. They (Haaland and Mbappe) could get there. We’ll have to wait and see where he goes after this season. Real and Barca have financial problems, so I could imagine him moving to England. His father used to play there too,” Rummenigge said in an interview with Sport1.

“I could well imagine Liverpool for Haaland. Haaland is an exceptional phenomenon. There is a player like that every 30 or 40 years. I don’t know what his career plans are, but for Dortmund, it’s great that he’s still wearing the black and yellow jersey this season.

“He is an absolute goal machine, his opponents only fly away to the right and left when he starts running. I’ve never seen anything like him at that age. The only drawback in his size is his headers. He doesn’t score enough goals. Otherwise, Haaland is a perfect player,” he concluded.

Jurgen Klopp would love him

Haaland has showcased his incredible, truly world-class potential on a regular basis since moving to Signal Iduna Park in January 2020, bagging an astonishing 62 goals in 61 games for the German giants and winning the DFB-Pokal along the way.

The youngster has also notched up 18 assists for his teammates, illustrating how he can also play the role of provider as well as a finisher when needed.

He is set to become one of football’s poster boys of the next generation once Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finally call it a day, and Klopp – just like any manager – would love to be able to call upon his services.

The normally dependable attacking duo of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino struggled to exert their usual levels of influence over proceedings last term, and Haaland’s significantly reduced price tag next summer could make him a realistic target for the Anfield outfit.

Many other Premier League and European clubs will also have the £117m-rated monster in their sights, though, so Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards may have to pull off another masterclass to get this deal over the line.

In other news… Report reveals exciting Liverpool update which will have Reds fans absolutely buzzing 

Tottenham Hotspur want to bolster four key areas of Antonio Conte’s squad, according to emerging claims…

What’s the word?

football.london reporter Alasdair Gold has told his YouTube channel that Spurs have made four different positions their priority during this month’s transfer window.

“There is a feeling within the club that Spurs need a right wing-back, a left-sided centre-back and a striker,” he revealed. “From what I understand, Conte agrees with that, but also would like a central midfielder. Four priority positions.”

Fantastic four?

It’s no secret that the north Londoners need additions as they lack the strength in depth to truly challenge some of the Premier League’s biggest teams for a place in the top four.

What Conte has already done with the current squad is quite remarkable, having gone unbeaten in the top-flight under his stewardship but if they are to get back onto the next level, then chairman Daniel Levy must back his man with serious investment.

After selling Serge Aurier and replacing him with Emerson Royal in the summer, it’s a surprise to see a new right wing-back on the agenda but as Matt Doherty’s future is dubious, the need for another option could make sense, especially if Conte isn’t convinced by the former Barca man’s attacking credentials.

Elsewhere, another central defender is certainly going to be among the priorities. Cristian Romero is still absent with an injury, whilst the Italian head coach has often deployed full-back Ben Davies in his back-three. Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez have looked a little suspect in recent games, too.

Of course, the need for a new forward has always been there but it’s a tricky problem to remedy as Harry Kane will always be the star man leading the line for Spurs. There aren’t many players who will want to be a backup but Conte does need an alternative, or even a partner to the England skipper.

It is also interesting to learn of Conte’s desire for a central midfielder, too. Spurs already have Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, so perhaps he isn’t convinced by some of those options.

Either way, this latest development from one of the most reliable sources is certainly exciting and it would suggest that the Lilywhites will indeed be active this window.

Supporters around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be buzzing by this news.

AND in other news, Conte can finally axe “unplayable” Spurs dud by signing “devastating” £26m-rated beast…

Crystal Palace have received a big injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Wolves at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

What’s the word?

The Eagles will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games when they take on Bruno Lage’s side, and they’ll have almost a fully-fit squad to choose from ahead of kick-off.

In Friday’s press conference, Patrick Vieira confirmed that he has no fresh fitness concerns to consider, while long-term absentees Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson are progressing well in their recoveries.

“Eze is doing well,” revealed the French tactician. “He played 60 mins with the U23s and is feeling really good. So, he is progressing.

“Everybody is feeling well. Nathan Ferguson will start next week to take part in some of the exercises with the first team.”

Vieira was then asked whether Eze is ready to make his return to first team action after taking part in an Under-23s game on Monday, but the 45-year-old ruled him out of contention for today.

He said: “Still a bit too early. He just played 60 minutes. We need him to play more games, complete a 90 minutes before we take him into consideration.”

Vieira will be delighted

Although Eze is still a little way off from making his Premier League comeback following a five-month layoff with an Achilles problem, Vieira will still be delighted with the creative midfielder’s situation.

The 23-year-old was a key player for Palace last season, recording 10 goal contributions in 34 top-flight appearances, and his imminent return will provide a significant boost to the Eagles.

Vieira will be equally as pleased with the fact that he has no new injury issues to contend with, and that Ferguson is close to putting his fitness woes behind him.

Maintaining the south Londoners’ promising start to the season will be the aim for their new manager, and having his best players available for selection should certainly help him do just that.

In other news… £10.1m in the bank: Parish sealed dream CPFC deal over “quality” £29k-p/w beast

Celtic will complete the permanent signing of centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer, according to Tottenham insider John Wenham, but it will cost them three times the 2021 price.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers shines on loan

The 24-year-old made a temporary move to Parkhead last summer, with Spurs unable to promise him regular time due to being down the pecking order in north London.

Carter-Vickers has been superb for Celtic throughout this season, making 27 Scottish Premiership starts and shining alongside Carl Starfelt.

The American saved arguably his best performance of the campaign for Sunday’s 2-1 win at Rangers, as he scored the winning goal and defended resolutely, being hailed as ‘immense’ by Chris Sutton.

The Latest: Price has trebled since last year

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham firmly believes Carter-Vickers’ permanent move to the Hoops will go through this summer:

“Yeah, it’s simple, it just requires Celtic to transfer Tottenham £6million, it’s as simple as that. The player would want it and both clubs want it so there shouldn’t be any problems.

“They could have done it in the summer but the loan has been perfect for Tottenham. We would have let him go for £2million but we have trebled that price based on his performances.

“I couldn’t be happier with how it has gone because he plays pretty much every game up there. Cameron just isn’t at the level to play for Spurs so I am more than happy to move him on and bank that £6million fee.”

This aligns with a report from The Daily Record, who believe the Hoops will fend off competition from Leicester City, Wolves and Burnley thanks to the player’s preference to stay in Glasgow.

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The Verdict: Ideal for all parties

Some transfers can feel risky but this one looks like a match made in heaven, with all parties benefiting from Carter-Vickers trading Spurs for Celtic.

It would allow the player himself to settle at a new club that he already knows well, maturing into a formidable player and hopefully inspiring them to many trophies down the years.

Meanwhile, Spurs will be happy to get Carter-Vickers off their wage bill, with first-team opportunities looking hard to come by under Antonio Conte.

In other news, Chris Sutton has heaped praise on a Celtic ‘magician’. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United are really keen to complete a move for Brenden Aaronson before the January transfer window deadline on Monday…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh update on the situation during a recent appearance on CBS Sports’ ‘Que Golazo’ podcast.

“Yes, it’s true. It’s true Salzburg rejected this proposal from Leeds,” he said. “They want him, they’re obsessed with him, they want to sign him. But Aaronson is an important player [for Salzburg].

“They feel that he would be perfect for Leeds immediately but the problem is Salzburg prefer to wait. They have European football, they want to keep him until the end of the season and maybe sell him in the summer.

“This is why the situation is still not easy between the clubs.

“The player would be open to this move but from the club’s side, from Leeds’ side and from Salzburg’s side, at the moment, nothing is agreed yet because they hope to keep the player until the end of the season.

“We will see what happens in the coming days. At the end of the transfer window, anything can happen. But at the moment, it’s not an easy one for Leeds.”

Gutting news

Whilst there is a glimmer of hope that the Yorkshire outfit can complete a move for their top target before next week, it seems rather unlikely on this evidence.

Romano has dealt a devastating blow to Marcelo Bielsa here as you’d imagine the Argentine is absolutely desperate for additions heading into the remainder of the current campaign.

His squad has been decimated with injuries regularly throughout the 2021/22 campaign and in some areas, they lack the strength in depth required to truly compete in the Premier League.

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They may well be clear of a relegation dogfight right now but that could quickly change with rearranged matches still to play and the likelihood of further injuries a sheer possibility, given the way things have gone already this term.

A new central midfielder is amongst the priorities, as evident by the link to Aaronson, and that’s hardly a surprise considering the Yorkshiremen haven’t signed someone in the role for four years and they are currently without a key player in the engine room in Kalvin Phillips.

The England international, who is ever so crucial to the way Bielsa sets up his Leeds team, is currently on the treatment table until March at the earliest. That’s another month minimum without such an integral cog.

He’s one of a handful of key first-team stars absent through injury – against West Ham in the Premier League recently, the Whites only had one senior pro on the bench amongst nine substitutes. That’s how bad it’s been.

Aaronson certainly fits the bill as your typical Bielsa signing – bags of potential, high work rate, good fitness and hugely versatile – but it seems as if this one will have to wait until the summer barring anything crazy before Monday.

Therefore, the Argentine head coach may be gutted heading into the second half of the campaign knowing that the club have failed to bolster his threadbare squad.

AND in other news, “They’ll be looking for”: Journo drops intriguing Leeds claim as Orta plots major move…