Mjallby Back in Action

Celtic 2-1 Motherwell

JOHAN MJALLBY made his eagerly awaited return to the competitive arena with an encouraging 45-minute display against Motherwell under-21¡¦s today. He started as the central anchor in defence and looked both capable and confident throughout the first-half. The Celts secured a 2-1 victory in the second period through Stephane Bonnes but all eyes were on Mjallby¡¦s return and he didn¡¦t disappoint.

After the match he said: "I struggled a little bit with my timing and everything, because I¡¦ve only had four or five training sessions before this game, but the knee felt alright, there was no pain and that was the most important thing.

"It will probably take 2-3 weeks. The Celta Vigo game will be just too early but there is no reason to rush it with the side playing so well at the moment. I am desparate to return and look forward to getting 90 minutes next time."

There was an early indication of Mjallby¡¦s confidence on the ball around the quarter hour mark, as the last line of defence he teased David Partidge with a back-heel turn and then sweeping pass to Stephen McManus on the left. The big Swede impressed again five minutes later with a surging run through the middle, and his desire to drive up the park led to Celtic¡¦s opening goal after 20 minutes.

Jamie Smith took control after Mjallby had found Simon Lynch, their nifty interchange led to Smith locating Brian Prunty at the back-post and he effortlessly tapped home.

It would have been slightly strange for Mjallby, celebrating with his team-mates in front of only 60 punters instead of the usual 60,000.

Colin Healy was holding it together well in the middle but it was Smith who almost added a second with an electric burst of pace, his strike, though, was well saved by the outstretched leg of Stevie Woods. A surprise equaliser then arrived in the 39th minute when a hopeful cross was knocked clear, nobody expected Kevin MacDonald to produce an excellent swerving lob from 25 yards that looped into the top corner.

That spurred Celtic into action, with Stephane Bonnes bringing out a smart stop from Woods, then Bobby Petta¡¦s deceptive cross rattled the bar. John Kennedy was booked for a lunging tackle as the half finished.

When the Hoops returned, Mjallby was absent, replaced by David Van Zanten. The Swede¡¦s 45-minute display, though, had been an excellent return to competitive play.

The 55th minute should have seen the hosts regain the lead twice in 60 seconds. Petta beat his marker down the right and crossed well for Lynch who battered the post. Referee Stevie O¡¦Reilly gave a corner and from that, McManus¡¦s powerful downward header shaved the opposite post.

Coach Kenny McDowall then masterminded Celtic re-taking the lead with Ross Wallace entering the fray to immediate effect. Flying past his marker on the left, his perfect cut-back for Bonnes saw the Frenchman control well before applying a powerful finish. It proved to be the winner.

Celtic side then took control of the game and Smith almost added a third with another impressive burst of pace and strike that smashed off the crossbar. Woods then tipped over a rasping Bonnes drive as Terry Butcher roared encouragement to his reserve side from the dugout. Next it was defender Kennedy¡¦s turn to test the bar with a neat half-volley. Wallace then turned his marker inside out before ¡V yet again ¡V rattling the bar with a ferocious strike five minutes from time.

As the match trundled to its conclusion Celtic had it won, but equally important Johan Mjallby looked like he¡¦d never been away.