Celtic are “lucky” to have Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to Dundee United man Calum Butcher.
Butcher, who was controversially suspended by the SFA after a horror tackle on David Turnbull, knows Carter-Vickers well, having been raised in the same part of Southend. Ahead of facing Celtic next Monday, Butcher has talked up the quality of the USA international, who’s become a fan favourite at Celtic Park.
The Dundee United player and CCV also know each other from the Tottenham Hotspur Academy. So, the links are certainly there, and Butcher has seen Carter-Vickers’ improvement over the years. Butcher moved on from Spurs in 2011, taking in spells at Millwall and FK Hjørring, as well as two stints at Dundee United.
Yesterday, it was again reported that English top-flight clubs are looking at Carter-Vickers, who has been stellar in the Hoops. He’s been ever-present for Ange Postecoglou’s side this season, already making 36 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Butcher said [Courier]: “Cameron Carter-Vickers is someone I know from being at Spurs.
“We have family friends because we are from the same area of Southend. He has been a great addition for them. He has come up here and done really well for them.
“I can see why Celtic would want to keep him. Having a player who is strong and can build from the back is invaluable so they are lucky to have him.”
Perhaps Celtic are “lucky to have” Cameron Carter-Vickers; he’ll be vital against Dundee United and Calum Butcher
Some interesting points of discussion there. Both Butcher and Cameron Carter-Vickers have taken unique paths to their meeting next Monday night.
For Butcher, he’s at Dundee United for the second time in his career, via spells outside the EFL in England, and in Denmark. Carter-Vickers, meanwhile, has played for a host of clubs on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has caps for the USA, and is now integral to Celtic.
It shows you non-linear the journey of a footballer can be. But Celtic fans are certainly hoping that Carter-Vickers makes Parkhead home for the foreseeable.
Of course, Celtic would surely want to hold on to the American international. Cameron Carter-Vickers has been outstanding; 4.4 clearances a game, 4.3 won aerial duels, and a pass success rate just shy of 90% [WhoScored?] shows he’s done everything Celtic needed.
As for Butcher? He’s unlikely to receive a warm welcome from travelling Celtic supporters when the Hoops turn up at Tannadice. His challenge on Turnbull was a shocker; we tend to have long memories for these things.
Whatever the case, Cameron Carter-Vickers will be entrusted once more to provide real stability and impetus from the centre-back position. Perhaps we are, indeed, lucky to have him.
Read more: John Hartson shares what he’s noticed about Celtic boss Postecoglou’s man-management
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