Literally...

On Alan Brazil's Talk Sport radio show this morning he was discussing with various guests why Celtic lost to Barcelona in the Champions' League last night. I was just waking up so I didn't catch who it was, but I caught what he said. In fact I think it was that that woke me up.

"It was literally Everest for Celtic."

Celtic crashed out of Europe last night after UEFA enforced a cruel rule change on the Scottish champions. Having lost to Barcelona by 3 goals to 2 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 match, Euro chiefs ordered the Parkhead side to climb the highest mountain on earth in order to progress.

Bhoys gaffer Gordon Strachan was typically pragmatic after the loss. "Nakamura is great with a dead ball, but I think we have to face facts - he's not a mountaineer."

With Mark Wilson caught out by a trademark disguise avalanche by Ronaldinhio early on the Hoops found themselves clinging to the fixed ropes for much of the ascent. Unable to field their cup-tied new sherpa signings the Glasgow side will have to wait for next term to conquer European football's highest summit.

You wonder why some folk get paid to talk for a living.