Wilson hoping to avoid ban

Post-match reaction to Celtic's 1-0 victory over Motherwell.

Last Updated: 02/01/13 at 19:00 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Scottish Premier League. Click here to bet.

Kelvin Wilson is dejected after conceding the penalty

Kelvin Wilson is dejected after conceding the penalty

Kelvin Wilson is hoping to be let off the hook when he appears at Hampden on Thursday to answer the charge of violent conduct following Celtic's game against Dundee at Dens Park last week.

The Hoops defender, 27, was issued with a notice of complaint by the Scottish Football Association's compliance officer, Vincent Lunny, for allegedly using an elbow on John Baird, who afterwards said: "It was an elbow, but I have to stress I think it was accidental."

The former Nottingham Forest player rejected the offer of a two-game ban and hopes Baird's testimony will be taken into consideration when he makes a personal appearance in front of the disciplinary panel at the national stadium.

After Celtic's 1-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Motherwell at Parkhead, where Gary Hooper scored a 79th minute winner, Wilson said: "It wasn't an elbow so I don't know where the violent conduct has come from.

"To be fair the boy said he was grabbing my shirt and I was just trying to get away, which I was and unfortunately I caught him.

"If you go into a court of law and someone gives a statement like that then it is taken into consideration so I hope that is the case.

"But we will see. If it goes against me I will just have to get on with it but hopefully the people will see sense and it will get resolved."

The Englishman was given a reprieve by Fraser Forster in a hard-fought win over Well.

The Celtic keeper made a brilliant save from Tom Hateley's penalty awarded for Wilson's challenge on Jamie Murphy, just before Hooper converted a Georgios Samaras cross.

Wilson gave the England squad member a ribbing but admitted he was relieved to see him make the save.

"All keepers are weird and so he is a bit strange, he's a big kid at heart," he said. "He has got a thing about throwing something then hiding. If something hits you on the back of the head, you know it's him.

"But it was a relief and when Hooper scored it made it a perfect ending.

"It was a little bit of tiredness, it was a stonewall penalty but Fraser made a great save

"I just said well done to him afterwards and he just shook his head as if to say 'that's another one'.

"He is probably the best keeper I have played in front of. I don't know Joe Hart personally but watching him on television he is one of the best keepers in the world, if not the best, and so Fraser is up there as a brilliant number two.

"He is that good that you would back him against anyone.

"He is only 24 and that is young for a keeper so he has a long career ahead of him."

Celtic coach Garry Parker praised fellow Englishmen Forster and Hooper.

He said: "It was obviously a penalty but it was a great save from Fraser and that is why he is in the England squad.

"He is a great keeper and he has proved that and Gary Hooper scores goals and his general play is good.

"They are good, very special players who are important to us."

Murphy was made Motherwell captain as he played his last game for the club before signing for Sheffield United for a six-figure fee and afterwards he admitted it was an emotional occasion.

"I was welling up a little bit, seeing the fans clapping me off and all the boys clapping behind me," he said. "It was something I will always remember.

"I have been at Motherwell 11 years. I have grown up as a player and a person.

"I will miss the boys in the changing room, I have a few big brothers and a few little brothers so leaving them is the hardest thing."

Manager Stuart McCall admitted the emotion also got to him.

"I had a tear in my eye going on the pitch at the end for Jamie," he said. "We had a few words and a round of applause for him in the dressing room.

"I think he will do really well down there and he will always be welcome at Motherwell.

"He is a terrific kid. I have only known him two years but was lucky to work with him."

McCall was disappointed to leave Celtic Park with nothing but did not attach any blame to Hateley.

"The greatest players in the world miss penalty kicks," he said. "I have to say if the keeper goes the right way, he is a such a good goalie with a big frame that nine times out of 10 he will stop it.

"I don't think it is a bad penalty, I think it is a terrific save.

"We possibly could have had a second penalty when Forster brought Jamie down but I don't think you get two at Parkhead, it's a bit like Old Trafford."


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