Boyata injury gives Simunovic a last shot at Celtic

By Connor Gordon

December 4, 2018

The recent injury to Dedryck Boyata hands outcast Jozo Simunovic a last chance at Celtic.

The Croatian hasn’t been first choice at the club for well over a year as he has fell down the pecking order.

However, the 24-year-old will need to grasp his final opportunity to show he has what it takes to stay at the club.

Perfect timing

The Boyata injury has come at the perfect time for Simunovic who is staring a Parkhead exit in the face.

Boyata and Simunovic have previous of wanting to leave Celtic. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Simunovic has previous of wanting away, now he may get that opportunity against his best wishes.

He was at the top of his games as number one choice at centre-back when a failed move to Torino was touted.

Nowadays, it’s a different story as Simunovic is behind Filip Benkovic, Kristoffer Ajer and Boyata.

Ajer injury allows Croat to jump the queue to start in the first team. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)

Boyata is in the final year of his contract and may be sold in January to recoup some money.

With Ajer still injured, this has allowed Simunovic to jump the queue to partner Benkovic. This is the perfect storm for Simunovic to show Rodgers what he has been missing.

Salzburg is his big stage

The Croatian was thrown in at the deep end in Sunday’s League Cup final against Aberdeen.

He had hearts in mouths when his first touch hit the crossbar, almost handing the Dons an avenue back into the game. Nevertheless, the defender put in a decent performance and helped see out the victory.

Celtic are in an important run of games as they look to take top spot from Rangers. And they need to qualify for the Europa League by avoiding defeat against RB Salzburg.

Simunovic will need to form an amicable partnership with his ‘wee brother‘ Benkovic fast.

Croatian duo will need to partner up fast to help Celtic in important run of games. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Failure to do so may mean Celtic don’t qualify for the Europa League knockout stages.

Boyata was able to improve and keep things simple to the benefit of his game and now it’s up to Simunovic to do the same. Coming through the Salzburg game in flying colours could change the fortunes of the defender.

This will do him lots of favours in winning his starting spot back.