In the aftermath of a breathless Ibrox encounter, much has been made of Celtic’s intestinal fortitude, but the emergence of a new defensive star has provided the most encouraging takeaway.
Benjamin Arthur was thrown in for his first Celtic start in midweek against Aberdeen, and he kept his place alongside Liam Scales, because of injuries, for the Scottish Cup quarter-final win at Rangers on Sunday.
Celtic’s January loan signing from Brentford earned glowing reviews from those alongside him in the trenches, as Scales continually stated that he was ‘brilliant’ for Martin O’Neill’s side during their penalty shootout victory.
“Brilliant,” said Scales on Arthur’s performance at Ibrox. “He was brilliant up at Aberdeen as well. This is another experience that will make him a better player.”
Who was your Celtic man of the match against Rangers?
Liam Scales hails Benjamin Arthur after Celtic’s win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup
In a match where O’Neill asked big questions of his depleted squad, Arthur’s performance provided an emphatic answer, proving that Celtic’s future is as bright as their recent victory.
Yes, Arthur had a few iffy moments, but it’s about remaining composed, dealing with the occasion, and not shying away.
O’Neill did take Arthur off after an hour for Dane Murray, who was also outstanding against the Gers, but the new kid on the block rightfully got his flowers from Scales, as he told Celtic TV.
“Brilliant,” said Scales on Arthur’s performance at Ibrox. “He was brilliant up at Aberdeen as well. This is another experience that will make him a better player.
“He’s so young. He hasn’t played many senior games. But he is so composed. Calm and physical. He has a lot of good attributes. He was brilliant for the time he was on the pitch.”
Young Arthur showcases that he belongs at Celtic
Despite his lack of senior minutes, Arthur’s composure has quickly silenced any doubts about his readiness for the big stage.
As Scales noted, the 20-year-old possesses a rare blend of ‘calm and physical’ attributes that defy his age – this was only his fourth start in his professional career.
Remember, there is a lot of chaos around Arthur, and that hasn’t been easy to deal with, even for the senior players, nevermind the younger ones.
But there is certainly encouragement there with Arthur, and now it’s about throwing him amongst the lions again, because this Celtic train is pushing for trophies.
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