Ange names 6 Celtic backup players who are producing "fantastic" levels at Lennoxtown

By David Walton

April 13, 2022

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has named 6 Celtic backup players he states are putting in “fantastic” levels at Lennoxtown despite seldom being handed a starting spot.

Ange appears to have his first-choice Hoops XI marked down with Celtic managing to find consistency in 2022. Despite the fact there’s plenty of rotation throughout the 90 minutes. Ange has still stuck with 11-13 players he believes slot into his strongest team.

That’s left plenty of talent sitting on the sidelines waiting for an opportunity. Even so, it hasn’t disrupted squad harmony at Lennoxtown. Far from it.

In fact, Ange has hailed the huge efforts being put in by the Hoops bench-warmers as he acknowledged their own commitment to the cause.

As quoted the Daily Record [print edition, 13/04, page 52], Ange said: “It’s not just about game-day. That’s the result of a week’s work. Boys on the bench who didn’t get on against St Johnstone – Nir Bitton, Yosuke Ideguchi, Anthony Ralston. Stephen Welsh wasn’t in the squad. James Forrest and Mikey Johnston. All those guys every day at training are producing fantastic levels.

“That means our preparation is where it should be and come game-day, everyone is ready to perform. We don’t discount anyone’s effort. The ones who play get the applause and accolades. But behind the scenes, my respect to the guys who don’t get the opportunities they deserve.

“They want to be part of something special and they always make that sacrifice.”

Celtic squad coming together to be a part of something unique

We’ve all acknowledged just how blistering Celtic have been this season. Some of the performances have been absolutely outrageous and the levels they’ve managed to reach have consistently been praised.

However, at the same time, they couldn’t be operating at those levels if the intensity in training wasn’t at its peak. It’s down to those who don’t see a lot of minutes to ensure training continues to be of a high standard. As soon as those levels drop, so too will our on-field performances.

It’s also brilliant man-management from Ange here. He has a group of players who haven’t been receiving minutes and could easily become disillusioned with the wrong amount of appreciation from their manager. Ange openly acknowledging what they’re doing at Lennoxtown will give them confidence that their work is being noted.

There hasn’t appeared to be any discontent or grumblings at Celtic this season either. Even if all players will have been wanting as many minutes as possible, they’ve understood their role in this Celtic team.

Granted, you can’t beat getting minutes on the pitch. Ultimately, that’s what all the players mentioned above will be looking for in the long-term. But for now, Ange has clearly got a happy group.

No surprises then that we’re aiming for a potential treble this season. The atmosphere around the place has been just as important as anything else.

In other news, Brian Laudrup sounds absolutely terrified of a 3rd consecutive derby defeat for Celtic rivals