Cameron Carter-Vickers put in an imposing display as Celtic toppled Rangers comfortably to open up a five-point gap between themselves and their city rivals.
The United States international enjoyed a recovery day before Friday’s derby victory after experiencing discomfort against St Mirren the week before.
Still, he was included in Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up alongside Liam Scales and helped Celtic keep their fourth league clean sheet in succession on derby day.
Rangers had their chances in spurts. However, Kasper Schmeichel’s late heroics preserved another shut-out for the Bhoys, placing them at the Scottish Premiership summit on goal difference in front of Aberdeen.
With the international break around the corner, Carter-Vickers hasn’t been called up for the United States for their friendlies against Canada and New Zealand [USMNT on X].
It may prove to be a worthwhile decision for Mauricio Pochettino amid developments that took place yesterday.
Cameron Carter-Vickers spotted in leg brace
Cited via Football Scotland, Carter-Vickers left Celtic Park in a leg brace following his side’s triumph over Rangers. It remains to be seen whether the measure has been taken purely as a precaution or not.
Notably, the Southend-born man collided with Cyriel Dessers during the second half and looked to be in pain before refitting his boot and bravely continuing on with proceedings.
Last season, the 26-year-old missed a chunk of matches due to injury before returning to take his place during the run-in as Celtic claimed a domestic double.
From a personal standpoint, the international break may have come at a good time for Carter-Vickers, who now has a couple of weeks to recover at Lennoxtown ahead of the Bhoys’ home clash against Heart of Midlothian on September 14th.
Encouragingly, he managed to see out the 90 minutes against Rangers. Ultimately, if he were in serious bother, Rodgers would’ve moved to hook him at the first sight of flagging.
For now, the Celtic stalwart should be given some rest ahead of a congested fixture schedule on the other side of the internationals. Hopefully, he can come through unscathed, but 67 Hail Hail will monitor the situation.
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