Celtic’s issues this season stem far and wide.
Whatever happens when the final ball is kicked from this abject, drama-filled and manic 2025/26 campaign, Celtic need a clearout from top to bottom.
One of the areas that seriously needs addressing is the middle of the park, as Kevin Thomson’s comments about Celtic lacking a combative player spoke volumes.
Thomson was asked by Charlie Mulgrew which player in the Premiership he would love to go in a ’50-50′ challenge with, and he put forward Hearts star, Cammy Devlin.
But when the former Rangers and Hibernian man was pressed to name a Celtic player, he rightfully explained that those in green and white simply don’t have anyone of that make-up.
“I wouldn’t say Celtic have got a competitive midfielder,” said Thomson. “Callum (McGregor), obviously. But I wouldn’t say they have a competitive player that you go, ‘Whoa, I would like to have a wee tussle with him.'”
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Celtic’s lack of a combative nature in midfield is a worry
What’s interesting is that several Celtic pundits have also called out this issue within the team this season.
Frank McAvennie has previously stated that McGregor doesn’t put his foot in, and that’s not in his nature, even though he is brave when getting on the ball, and he can run the show in big matches.
Si Ferry has also expressed that Celtic need a Victor Wanyama in midfield again. Interestingly enough, the Kenyan star recently retired.
Either way, Thomson’s comments on The Breakdown are correct, and it’s something the champions of Scotland need to address in the summer.
Devlin was previously linked with Celtic, but you can park that one goodbye now because of how far Hearts have risen this season.
Thomson: “I always went searching for a tackle because it got the team up.”
Mulgrew: “Who would you like to smash now?”
Thomson: “There are too many.”
Mulgrew: “If you could pick one. A 50-50. You and him. The centre circle at Ibrox.”
Thomson: “I would love a 50-50 with Cammy Devlin.”
Mulgrew: “Who is next? Celtic. I don’t think there is a Celtic team that you can beat in a 50-50.”
Thomson: “Mate, I am running through all of them.”
Mulgrew: “Give us a name. I want a name that you want a 50-50 with in the centre circle.”
Thomson: “I wouldn’t say Celtic have got a competitive midfielder. Callum, obviously. But I wouldn’t say they have a competitive player that you go, ‘Whoa, I would like to have a wee tussle with him.'”
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