It will be interesting to see how Martin O’Neill wields the axe on his return to the Celtic dugout following Wilfried Nancy’s exit.
The first time around, it was obvious the Celtic hero was only going to be in charge for a small matter of time.
But now everyone knows that O’Neill is in charge until the end of the season, and he has the January transfer window to play with, so it will be interesting to see which players survive.
Following the end of Nancy’s ill-fated 33 days in charge, Andy Walker thinks Kasper Schmeichel and Liam Scales will be two players who are delighted that a change has happened.
Tell us your starting XI for Martin O’Neill’s first game back
Kasper Schmeichel and Liam Scales ‘welcome’ Martin O’Neill replacing Wilfried Nancy
Schmeichel was woeful under Nancy, and to be fair, for most of this campaign, as he illustrated to the Celtic fans’ disgust against Rangers.
Whereas someone like Scales started under Nancy, albeit playing a very odd role, before he was dropped to the bench.
Speaking on Go Radio, Walker thinks Schmeichel will keep his place in the XI, and Scales will return for Celtic’s clash against Dundee United on Saturday.
“I think these are players that will welcome the change of manager,” said Walker. “They might not say it publicly. But there is just a different feel. A different atmosphere around training every day.
“I think you are right to highlight the poor form of Kasper Schmeichel, but I think the manager will give him another chance and ask him to ‘come good again.’
“Tell him, ‘no mistakes and you are my number one.’ He is getting on a bit, Kasper Schmeichel. This might be his last season. Celtic might make a change in the summer window about getting a keeper in.
“I think you’re right to highlight Liam Scales, so consistent for Celtic this season. Inexplicably playing out of position under Wilfried Nancy, then not playing at all. I think he is someone who will really welcome the return of Martin O’Neill.”
Name three players you would sell in the current Celtic side
Who should O’Neill drop at Celtic?
O’Neill will get rid of the dreaded back three. And bring balance and simplicity back to proceedings.
But there are certain players who, if they continue in their error-prone ways from now until the end of the campaign, will end up spending more time on the bench than on the pitch.
Unfortunately for Schmeichel, he tops the list.
- Schmeichel
- Ralston
- Kenny
- Trusty
- Engels
- Hatate
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