Celtic reaction: Green Brigade's missing energy, two stars who failed to shine, John McGlynn's defensive concerns

A look back at Celtic’s 4-0 success over Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup fifth round.

One of the most memorable moments from a very flat opening 45 minutes was Ange Postecoglou’s frustrated roar where he voiced his displeasure at the team for passing backwards. Nir Bitton knocked the ball to Stephen Welsh, who then went back to Joe Hart. Usually such incidents are met with annoyance from supporters. But it was left to the Australian manager to amuse those sitting around the dugout with his shout which was also picked up by the Premier Sports microphones.

From a Celtic fan’s point of view, it would have been hugely encouraging to hear the manager and his demands that the team look to progress the ball, look to play forward, look to attack, rather than simply accepting easy possession. After the game he admitted he wanted his team to feel discomfort.

Postecoglou said: “I don’t want to be comfortable: I want us to be uncomfortable in terms of pushing the envelope as to how good we can be.”

It’s an attitude like that which has Celtic playing some of the best football in the country.

Both managers were asked afterwards if the closure to part of the standing section where the Green Brigade are usually situated impacted Celtic’s performance. Postecoglou said it may have been a factor but didn't want to start making those allowances for his players, while John McGlynn noted that the Green Brigade provides Celtic with “an energy”.

The atmosphere was largely flat. A group of vocal Celtic fans were consigned to the top north west corner but it was clear the closure of part of the standing section diminished the fan experience as a whole. The decision was taken following concerns expressed from Police Scotland and Glasgow City