Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has explained why he dropped Vasilis Barkas for last night’s UEFA Champions League qualifying clash against Midtjylland.
Scott Bain was trusted between the sticks despite Barkas seemingly being first choice heading into the season.
Barkas’ benching has again provoked a lot of speculation that he won’t be at Celtic for much longer.
Rumours about a move for Joe Hart are also rife, with Fabrizio Romano stating earlier today that a deal is close.
Last night, Postecoglou wouldn’t be drawn on the Hart interest but did go into why Barkas didn’t play. It’s all to do with communication.
Speaking to The Scottish Daily Mail (29/07 print edition, page 91), the Bhoys boss said: “Scott has been training well. I just felt that, after the weekend game, that with such a young back four they needed a strong voice behind them.
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“Scott provides that, he is very vocal and he doesn’t mind leading from back there.
“Barky is a different kind of personality, he is a bit more quiet and reserved.”
Celtic need a new goalkeeper quickly
Questioned about Hart, Postecoglou would continue: “Again we have been linked with so many people. That’s a frustrating bit with me.
“I would rather be talking about people we brought in rather than people we have been linked with.”
Celtic “open talks” to sign Joe Hart | REACTION
It seems unlikely at this point that Barkas will make a recovery to claim the jersey for his own this season. I was going to say stranger things have happened, but they haven’t really. The Greek international is miles off.
Celtic badly need a goalkeeper in the door, just like other positions. I’m not convinced by Hart, but he’s better than Bain and, apparently, the Scottish ‘keeper is ahead of Barkas in the pecking order.
The club need to deliver what Postecoglou wants.
In other news, Postecoglou looking forward to imminent Celtic squad reinforcement from Starfelt and Furuhashi.