Vulnerable Celtic defence faces another tough test against Celta Vigo
Martin O’Neill is on record as saying that Celtic don’t need any reinforcements at centre back, that’s been shown to be wrong as we probably need at least one or maybe even two new additions…
Martin O’Neill went on record during the summer stating quite clearly that an area of our squad that wasn’t in need of strengthening or upgrading was the central defensive area. It was a comment that raised eyebrows, at the time and rightly so.
The Irishman tried to convince himself that a quartet of Cameron Carter Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, and Dane Murray was enough to navigate the side through domestic and European fixtures this season with an option to alter course in the January transfer window if the situation changes through injuries or loss of form etc.
To me that assessment was ill-consider at the time and is being shown to be wrong as the season progresses, as our inability to defend in big games has shown. LASK scored five, Benfica four and even the Rangers and Ferencvaros both managed three.
The turn of Celta Vigo to test the Celtic back four
Tomorrow night it will be the turn of Celta Vigo to test the Celtic back four, particularly the central defence which will be without Cameron Carter-Vickers, who may be back for Sunday’s trip to Easter Road to take on Hibs.
Carter-Vickers is currently nursing a niggling injury, and even when he’s been present he’s not looked quite like the same strong and assured player we’ve known and grown to admire in the past five seasons.
Auston Trusty has been okay to be fair, when it comes to doing the basics, but his clear lack of pace has been badly exposed on numerous occasions against top sides.
Dane Murray hasn’t got the ability to be a top quality Celtic centre-back, and is well out of his depth especially against quality opposition. I don’t mean to be harsh on the player, but he’s more like an average Scottish Premiership player, and in my view should be nowhere near a starting Celtic line up.
Steven Pressley wanted to take Dane Murray on loan in the summer
Maybe a loan deal at another top flight club would serve him better and Dundee boss Steven Pressley was keen to recruit Dane Murray in the summer on a loan deal. That could well be revisited in January if Martin O’Neill recognises the problem and looks to bring in a reliable right sided centre back.
To be fair Dane Murray had a decent game in the 7-1 humping of Hearts, but myself and many other Celtic supporters are of the opinion that the 23 year old isn’t going to be the answer for Celtic.
Liam Scales is a player I greatly admire
Liam Scales is a player I greatly admire and have the greatest respect for in the way he fought hard to become a first team player when everyone had written him off. I believe that Liam can offer us a lot, but he’s more of a squad player if we are being honest with ourselves.
Our current crop might be competent enough for the rigmaroles of domestic football, but they are in no way good enough for European competition, even at Europa League level. Imagine if we went into the Champions League this season with the situation as it is.
Celtic must address this weakness in January window
So that’s why I think we need at least one or preferably two new centre backs in the upcoming January transfer window, despite that impressive showing in the resounding win over Hearts.
In my view, Martin O’Neill should be looking at signing two compact central defenders who have some experience, and most importantly of all, have the ability to do the basics and be competent centre backs.
Is that too much to ask?
