Livingston assistant manager Marvin Bartley has provided a terrific defence of Celtic defender Carl Starfelt after recent unfair criticism.
Starfelt has been a constant in Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side and has been part of a backline responsible for conceding only 18 league goals this year. His superb form has led to him being recalled by the Sweden squad whilst he looks like he could be on course for a domestic treble.
Despite that, however, certain pundits just won’t rein it in. Davie Provan in particular incredibly tried to claim that Celtic have the best defence in Scotland in spite of Starfelt.
There have been plenty others who have criticised him quickly without acknowledging his improvement. And that’s led to Livingston assistant boss Bartley going on a long-overdue defence live on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard last night:
“Just on Starfelt, I don’t understand the kind of stick that this man gets. He’s played 27 games for Celtic this season, they’ve only conceded 18 goals in the league.
“He might look untidy at times, but he is clearly doing his job. I think he deserves so much more respect.”
Finally a media figure decides to defend Celtic defender Carl Starfelt
Starfelt has had to deal with some ridiculous stick since he came up here. Nothing has shown up the stubbornness of Scottish pundits more than when it comes to the analysis of Carl.
Provan in particular just won’t allow himself to admit that Starfelt has had a fine debut season here. You simply can’t have the level of exposure Carl has had whilst being successful if you’re not good enough. If Starfelt isn’t up to the right standard for this Celtic backline, why do we keep bagging clean sheets? Why does he seldom make any mistakes?
Oh god forbid he does. That’s when we’ll hear all of the Scottish football regulars coming out and saying he’s not good enough for this level. It’s ridiculous stuff, with nobody wanting to openly acknowledge just how good he’s been.
Hopefully, Carl takes heart from the fact that the Celtic supporters are 100% behind him. If he continues in the same manner he’s been playing in, it surely can’t be long until he’s won the respect of all pundits.
A dominant showing against Alfredo Morelos on Sunday would certainly help. After all, the Colombian is the darling striker of the Scottish media. What a feather it would be for Starfelt to rock up at Ibrox and keep him quiet. How could you possibly deny his quality if he achieves that?
Not that Starfelt should feel that he needs to prove anything. He’s been doing that all season. Unfortunately, too many just haven’t been willing to take notice.
In other news, The class question Ange Postecoglou keeps asking his Celtic squad behind the scenes
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