Cameron Carter-Vickers has been a rock at the heart of Celtic’s defence for years now.
The big centre-half was club captain as the Hoops missed Callum McGregor vs Rangers and his influence since the initial loan which turned into a £6million permanent move has been unmatched at the back.
Carter-Vickers is the best defender in the Scottish Premiership and his stats back that up. More than 150 appearances in green and white have come with 68 clean sheets and seven goals at the other end.
This season in particular he’s chipped in with one goal vs Aberdeen but he has kept 19 clean sheets to his credit alongside more than one central partner in Auston Trusty, Liam Scales or even Maik Nawrocki.
International recognition has also come for the 27-year-old having been capped by the USA 18 times at A level. And he was named by Mauricio Pochettino in the national squad for CONCACAF matches this week against Panama and Canada.
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Why Pochettino called up Celtic star Cameron Carter-Vickers
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Poch has now explained his thought process behind taking Carter-Vickers with him and his squad on the break.
“The most important thing we need to understand is that football is about timing and it’s about the form of the player,” Pochettino said at his pre-match press conference before Panama which ended in a 1-0 defeat where Carter-Vickers didn’t play a minute.
“There was a situation in the last few days that we need to replace three players.
“Or players who are still recovering from some issues like Tyler (Adams) or Cameron. Or Gio Reyna that for the first time have the opportunity to join us.
“I think our main objective is to play in the World Cup, because that’s true. And because we start in October without the opportunity to have time to stay altogether. And for different reasons or circumstance we change to see different types of players or characteristics and names.
“That is about winning. I want to win the competition because that will help build confidence and trust.”
Carter-Vickers has Premier League transfer interest
Carter-Vickers has been a colossus at the back for Celtic throughout his career in Glasgow but there are now interested parties keeping a close eye on his progress.
The central defender is still tied down by Celtic until 2029 which leaves Brendan Rodgers’ side in a very strong bargaining position should interest become concrete.
Ipswich Town, Brighton and West Ham United are all keeping tabs on CCV with a view to making a move in the summer.
Celts should not be entertaining any sort of offer unless it reaches astronomical numbers for the eight-trophy man.
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