Maloney catches the eye again
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was given a selection dilemma as Shaun Maloney put on another eye-catching display in the 2-1 extra-time CIS Insurance Cup win over Falkirk.
John Hartson came off the bench to head a 94th-minute winner after Maciej Zurawski had cancelled out Alan Gow’s shock second-half opener.
But Maloney was again outstanding after being drafted back into the side to give his manager a selection problem – which is not causing him any distress.
“He does not have to prove anything to me,” said Strachan. “I know he is a good player.
“A few things have been giving me a headache this week and Shaun Maloney has definitely not been one of them.
“Shaun could have done better at times but he had a real good night for us again.”
Celtic missed Neil Lennon but Hartson showed just how vital he is to the club having come off the bench to save his team-mates from any embarrassment.
“John took us up another level – holding the ball up and scoring the goal,” added Strachan.
“The ball stuck to John and he is good at seeing things around him and it’s that sort of thing which wins games.”
Falkirk manager John Hughes also has an inspirational figure in veteran midfielder Russell Latapy.
The former Rangers star ignored jeers from the Celtic supporters to turn in another classy performance as Falkirk gave their opponents a real scare.
Hughes is still a big fan of his former Hibernian team-mate but he admits he wishes he could turn back the clock and have him turning out in his prime.
“And that’s on 40 cigarettes a day as well and I’m not joking,” said the Bairns boss. “The guy’s a genius.
“He loves the big stage and I love to see him come here. He doesn’t even go to look at the pitch before when all the boys are looking around the stadium.
“He has done it all before. His range of passing is unbelievable and he gets the respect of everyone.
“He was fantastic when he was younger and I wish he was a right few years younger. I saw him at Easter Road and he was a different class.
“He wants to do well for the club and I am delighted to have him in the team. Everyone bounces off him and his philosophy is my philosophy which is passing the ball.”
