15 minutes to kick-off

Celtic kick off their attempt to reclaim the title in approximately 15 minutes time at Fir Park, Motherwell. Fir Park, the scene of the horrendous late capitulation last season and the ironic first venue for this new post-O'Neill Celtic era. I am completely underwhelmed by it all I must admit. Usually opening day has the nerves jangling in a nice anticipatory way but not today. I actually fear the worst but then I try and tell myself that, over the years Celtic tend to react positively to bad results in the next game they play.

Just checked the team, Balde is dropped.

The team, as posted by someone on the Celtic message board (and I quote exactly) is as follows:

Marshall
Telfer
McManus
Krusty the Slovak Clown
Mo Slater
Thompson
Mr Woo
Lennon
Petrov
The fat statue
Maloney