Mark Viduka picked up a win bonus when he made his long-awaited debut for
Celtic today at Parkhead.
The £3million striker played the last 35 minutes and helped the champions to a
crucial victory. And it was no coincidence that Viduka's arrival prompted an
about-turn in Celtic's fortunes.
They were struggling to find their rhythm and stay in the title race after
Billy Dodds had opened the scoring for United. But goals from Craig Burley and
Henrik Larsson, his 32nd of the season, took them to within seven points of
leaders Rangers.
Brattbakk kept his place in the front-line despite criticism of his
performance in the 7-1 victory against Motherwell last Sunday. Burchill joined
Australian striker Viduka among the substitutes as Celtic aimed to close the gap
at the top.
Scotland midfielder Burley made his first start since the end of October after
a groin injury. He replaced Lubomir Moravcik as the Slovakian is hampered by a
hamstring injury.
United, struggling near the foot of the table, brought in Jim Paterson with
Eric Pedersen sidelined by a knee problem.
The visitors almost took the lead after just six minutes following a flowing
move. Dodds sent Craig Easton scampering away down the left and he looked up to
see Jonathan Gould marginally off his line. Easton curled a delightful shot from
20 yards that beat the keeper but came back off the bar.
The travelling fans were in good heart after talk of a merger with Dundee had
been dismissed this week. They chanted "One team in Dundee, there's only one
team in Dundee."
And their mood grew brighter in the 25th minute when Dodds opened the scoring.
Paterson swung in a high cross from the left and Gould appeared to gather the
ball safely. However, the big keeper dropped it from his grasp and Dodds swept
the ball into an unguarded net.
Celtic pushed forward and Riseth won a free-kick on the edge of the area after
being bundled over by Easton. Larsson, top scorer in the Premier League, weighed
up the situation before flighting a shot over the top.
The Celtic fans were becoming impatient knowing defeat was unthinkable with
Rangers having such a huge lead.
Blinker then picked out Larsson with a good through-ball but Neil Berry threw
himself into the challenge to block his shot.
United striker Kjell Olofsson found himself at the centre of controversy three
minutes into the second half. He went to ground in the penalty area after a
challenge from Gould but referee Mike McCurry waved play on.
Gould was incensed and let Olofsson know in no uncertain terms as did Celtic
team-mate Johan Mjallby.
Viduka made his debut after 55 minutes when he replaced the ineffective
Brattbakk. The controversial Australian striker was given a huge cheer when he
made his first touch, releasing Larsson.
Viduka's presence seemed to unnerve the United defence and Celtic pulled level
with 15 minutes to go.
Blinker released Burley and he marked his first start in four months with a
stunning shot beyond Sieb Dykstra.
Celtic grew in confidence and Larsson sealed a dramatic victory four minutes
later with an unstoppable shot into the corner from Burley's pass. Larsson had
scored ten goals in his previous three games but this single strike could prove
just as crucial come May.
Teams
Celtic: Gould, Boyd, Riseth, Mjallby, Mahe, McNamara, Burley,
Lambert, Blinker, Larsson, Brattbakk (Viduka 54).
Subs Not Used: Donnelly, McKinlay, Burchill, Corr.
Booked: Lambert, Blinker.
Goals: Burley 74, Larsson 78.
Dundee Utd: Dykstra, Malpas (Skoldmark 68), De Vos, Duffy,
Miller (Mathie 87), Easton, Hannah, Eustace (McLaren 81),
Paterson, Dodds, Olofsson.Subs Not Used: Thompson, Gallacher.
Booked: Dodds.
Goals: Dodds 25.Att: 59,902.
Ref: M McCurry (Glasgow).
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