Pictures from Celtic 0 Wolves 2
Thursday 28th July 2011, 8:50AM BST.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy promised a step up in class – but it wasn’t just Celtic who were better than we have seen so far this summer.
McCarthy’s own players proved they were equal to a rise in standards and tempo as they returned to a Premier League-like environment with a performance that at times approached the Hoops’ grand setting.
Ultimately, what Wolves’ players gained from this trip was more fitness and sharpness in the bank in the countdown to the start of the season on August 13.
The confident gained from beating such illustrious opposition who were much more advanced in their preparations was another bonus, albeit against a completely changed team from Celtic’s opening 2-0 Scottish Premier League win against Hibernian three days earlier.
This time, the Hoops were on the receiving end of the same scoreline and Wolves must wish their goals in the Premier League came as easily as the two slightly fortuitous strikes which gave them a marginally flattering victory last night.
Croatian trialist goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa should have done better after getting a hand to Jamie O’Hara’s 27th minute curling free kick to push the ball into the top corner.
But there was nothing rookie Filip Twardzik could do to prevent turning home Stephen Ward’s 73rd minute cross to double Wolves’ lead.
Wolves were happy to settle for a pleasing scoreline and performance.
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