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Celtic: 24h on

Last updated : 23 February 2009 By Firparkcorner

In the course of the 38 game SPL season a single point rarely carries huge significance yet this 1-1 draw could prove to be hugely influential. When we lost the last league game (20 December to Hamilton) we were tied with three others at the bottom of the table on 17 points. We now have 33 and are clear in sixth place. We did not play especially well and our goal scoring opportunities were very few but we managed to escape unbeaten.

There was a long spell following the Celtic goal when we looked lost. Possession was too easily given up, we chased shadows and it looked unlikely that we would get back into the game. We needed a leader to inspire and urge his team mates to greater effort. None seemed to be available - then he came charging through the midfield. Klimpl chased after the ball, competed for everything and often won his battles. He provided the spark which kept us in the match and his celebrations at the final whistle demonstrated that the point won meant as much to him as to the longstanding members of the squad. He has to be a priority signing for next season.

The team bus which makes the trip to Inverness at the end of the week will carry a squad which must be full of confidence. ICT are still holding up the table and although we well know the inspirational powers of their new manager, we also know that our record at the Caledonian Stadium is excellent.

The poor quality of the playing surface has become an embarrassment to the club. Every report of the game has a reference to it and the pundits have an easy target for a moan. We have little option but to hope that the promised solution does arrive in the close season. Another failure to deliver would be indefensible.