For large spells of his time at Celtic, Marvin Compper looked like just seeing out his contract through injuries.
After all, he’s been hit with set-back after set-back since signing back in January 2018. Despite a promising breakfast with Brendan Rodgers, he’s only made one appearance for the Hoops – a routine Scottish Cup win at home to Morton just weeks after signing.
Since then, there were a lack of reports coming out of Parkhead about his availability. It was almost as if we were to just assume he was injured.
But, over the last three weeks, Compper has been showing signs of progress. Today, he featured for the reserves against Dundee in Forfar. The 6-0 success took the Hoops to the top of the Reserve League, but for Compper, it was another positive step individually.
He’s now played 90 minutes in each of the last three reserve matches, dating back to February 11th. The reserves have managed two clean sheets in victories against Kilmarnock and Dundee, whilst also managing a win against Falkirk too.
Compper featured in all three, and is starting to find some momentum. So that then bodes the question – does he have ANY chance to impress at all?
It’s something many Celtic fans you have to imagine would simply laugh at. After all, he’s not been seen on the pitch for way over a year now. He’s also spoken in the past about leaving the club.
Look at the reality of our future
But let’s look at what’s facing Celtic in the future.
Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata look set for the off. The former is wanted by Rodgers back at Leicester, whilst Boyata’s agent has all but confirmed he’ll be off in the summer. Mikael Lustig, who can also operate at centre-back, will see his contract run out with no news yet of a new deal.
That leaves Celtic with just Kristoffer Ajer, Jozo Simunovic, and Jack Hendry as the only senior centre-backs available.
Compper, if he keeps himself fit heading into pre-season next year, will surely have one last chance to impress. Even if it’s only as back-up, Neil Lennon (or whoever the new manager is) would surely fancy checking out what he has to offer at least.
Of course, that could all go up in smoke. The German needs to keep making progress in the reserves between now and the end of the season. Until then, he’s still just one big afterthought to many.
As much as he has become a joke figure on social media amongst supporters, nobody can deny this is at least positive steps for the so far ill-fated German.
Is there a chance for him? Doubtful, but you never know.
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