If Celtic are to make a positive start to next season then they must look to solve an issue at right-back. The Hoops currently have four first-team players who can play in the position but that number is set to go down to just one after this weekend’s cup final.
Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa are both out of contract at the club this summer while loanee Jeremy Toljan will go back to Borussia Dortmund. That could leave only academy player Anthony Ralston at the club.
With crucial European qualifiers to come in less than seven weeks, it really could be a nightmare start for the new manager.
Needs must
The fact Celtic are so short in that right-back area may play into Mikael Lustig’s hands. The Swede has been past his best for a good number of years now but he’s still a steady hand that can mainly be trusted.
It may make sense to give the 32-year-old a one-year extension on his contract. Lustig could still have a part to play under Celtic’s new manager but hopefully not as a starter.
Celtic have relied on the inconsistent Swedish international far too often in recent years. Hopefully next season, they can use him as a safeguard against going into the qualifiers with no experience in that position.
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