Andy Halliday watched from the bench and admits Benjamin Arthur looked impressive for Celtic

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Celtic defender Benjamin Arthur answered the ultimate call of duty during the recent 3-1 victory over Motherwell.

Celtic’s loan signing from Brentford delivered a standout performance that even caught the eye of opposition veteran Andy Halliday, watching from the opposition dugout.

Thrown into the starting lineup in recent weeks, only because both Auston Trusty and Dane Murray were serving suspensions or are injured, the young centre-back could have easily wilted under the immense pressure of a tense title race.

Instead, Arthur has stepped up to the plate and looked completely at home in the heart of the defence, navigating the physical Scottish Premiership challenge with a composure that defied his limited first-team minutes.

Halliday was left seriously impressed by how Arthur ensured Martin O’Neill’s side didn’t miss a beat at the back.

“I must admit, I was impressed with Benjamin Arthur. I haven’t seen a lot of him,” Halliday confessed after watching the defender dominate against his Motherwell side.

• READ MORE: Celtic’s happy accident with Yang Hyun-Jun sums up their season

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Andy Halliday gives Hyunjun Yang and Benjamin Arthur their flowers

What was supposed to be a temporary fix for O’Neill has now evolved into a genuine selection headache.

Arthur has proven beyond doubt that he can handle the heat of wearing the Celtic jersey, raising a massive question ahead of the vital run-in. When Trusty and Murray are available again, does he keep his place?

Given the problems Celtic have had at the back this season, from performance-related issues to Cameron Carter-Vickers’ season-ending injury, it’s great to see that there is finally some light.

From Hyunjun Yang’s brace against Motherwell to Arthur looking at home, they are all, rightfully, getting their flowers from the opposition, as Halliday touched upon on Clyde 1.

“From Celtic’s point of view, I thought Yang was a constant threat,” said Halliday. “I must admit, I was impressed with Benjamin Arthur. I haven’t seen a lot of him.

“But I thought he coped with the game really well. I thought he was impressive in a Celtic jersey.”