Celtic and the right-back position has always been a lingering problem for the club.
Mikael Lustig fought off many competitors over the years before his elderly legs gave way.
Now, the Hoops have potentially three good choices signed over the summer. However, is this producing a bigger problem than the one first created with Lustig’s departure?
Who is the first choice right-back at Celtic?
Some fans will automatically state that Hatem Abd Elhamed is the go to starter for Celtic.
He has played in all the big games and is arguably the best signing of the last window.
Nevertheless, let’s not discount Moritz Bauer who is also impressing with his less frequent showings. The Swiss-Austrian was the only change after the Europa League win over Cluj last week.
The reason the Israeli was dropped for Bauer wasn’t stated but rather just accepted. He wouldn’t have made a difference in the defeat to Livingston on Sunday but the question lingers. Does Neil Lennon not know his best team or perhaps number one selection for the right-back spot?
Elhamed is a top performer and must be wondering why he is not consistently playing in his position. It should be up to Bauer and latterly Jeremie Frimpong to try and challenge him for his spot.
Are Celtic bound by Moritz Bauer?
There is going to be fans wondering whether there is a stipulation in Bauer’s loan deal for him to play a certain amount of games.
If this isn’t the case then why else is Elhamed consistently in and out the team despite performances.
Stoke City will have known Elhamed was signed and will want to know their man would play. It’s only common sense by the English club to do such a thing, if that is indeed the case.
There is nothing wrong with Bauer at all, but managers shouldn’t be bound by silly stipulations.
Keep Elhamed in the team until there is a reasonable reason for him not to be.
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