Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has insisted that Ange Postecoglou’s squad ‘thrives’ off of competition for places.
The American defender has been an ever-present in the Hoops’ backline since his arrival at Parkhead on summer deadline day of 2021.
His presence at the back has been a key feature of the success that Postecoglou Celtic’s side has achieved in the last 18 months.
Although the central defender is arguably one of the first names on the Celtic team sheet, the nature of Ange Postecoglou’s squad now means there is plenty of competition for places.
Alongside Carter-Vickers, there is also Carl Starfelt, Mortiz Jenz and Stephen Welsh who have been pushing for the starting role.
January arrivals Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata will now provide further competition, with the latter of the two signings being a versatile option who can cover in defence and midfield.
Carter-Vickers holds the starting role at this moment in time, however, he is well aware of the competition for places amongst his teammates.
The 25-year-old believes that the number of options pushing for a starting role allows those starting to thrive, given that they know they must be at the top of their game at all times.
He said [The Scotsman]: “No, I don’t think anyone can [think like that],” when asked about his almost guaranteed starting role at the centre of defence.
“When you are at a club of this size you have always got to be performing well to keep your place. That is what all of the players are concentrated on.
“At a club like Celtic or any big club, there is always competition for places, and I think this squad kind of thrives off that. It helps us to improve as a collective.”
Looking ahead to next weekend’s game, the Bhoys will be facing off against Kilmarnock for the second time in seven days; this time at Hampden Park.
With a place in the Viaplay cup final up for grabs, Carter-Vickers insists he and his teammates are hungry to achieve more silverware.
He continued: “We are all aware at Celtic that you are expected to win everything. We are going to go into that game fully focused and do our best to get into that final.
“In every competition that we compete in we want to win games; we want to win the trophy. That one is no different.”
Carter-Vickers displays the class Celtic attitude drilled into Parkhead dressing room.
After around 18 months at Celtic Park, we have become used to Ange Postecoglou’s usual routine of making a few adjustments to each of his starting lineups.
However, there are always a few names who are expected to be there; one of those being Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The American international has been incredible since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur, and many Celtic supporters have been talking up just how big has impact has been in recent days.
Despite being one of the few players whose spot is almost guaranteed in the starting 11, the defender still has the attitude of having to train and play for his place.
This has clearly been drilled into the squad by the Celtic manager, and his signings have helped integrate that culture of always playing for your place in the team.
The 57-year-old has a luxury of options, and we are still to see the likes of Kobayashi and Iwata pull on the Hoops. The strength of the Bhoys squad continues to grow.
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