Cameron Carter-Vickers is perhaps the best defender in Scotland and a key cog of Celtic’s trophy-winning wheel.
From Ange Postecoglou to Brendan Rodgers, he has been one of the most important players for the team and perhaps the first name on the teamsheet.
Not just because of how reliable Carter-Vickers is at the back, but also because of the gulf in quality between him and the rest.
Over the weekend, Celtic survived a scare and beat Falkirk in the League Cup, only days after that emphatic win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
Auston Trusty replaced Carter-Vickers with five minutes left, with the latter then left out of the squad that beat Falkirk.
The American has an issue with his foot, so he clearly wasn’t going to be risked against a second-tier team, but now all eyes will be on what happens next.
At the weekend, it’s a showdown against St Johnstone in the Premiership, before Celtic’s all-important Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Fans are hoping, at the very least, that Carter-Vickers is back for that contest because it’s the team’s toughest test in Europe this term.
Stephen McGinn expressed his ‘concern’ for Carter-Vickers and how he ‘didn’t look comfortable’ in the Champions League because he is carrying something, as he told Go Radio.
The Celtic-mad pundit is in no doubt that, if the 26-year-old is touch-and-go for the weekend, then he simply won’t be risked.
But despite the player carrying an injury, McGinn revelled about how he is still ‘brilliant’ despite not being at 100%.
Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury situation at Celtic
“I think there will be a couple of changes for St Johnstone from the Bratislava team,” said McGinn. “I am a bit concerned about Cameron Carter-Vickers.
“That was the only negative on the night, the Bratislava game. He didn’t look comfortable when he was moving. He looked a couple of times, when the ball was away, that he almost looked like to be carrying his foot. I know he has an ongoing issue that they are managing.
“He is still brilliant, isn’t he, when he isn’t fully fit?! I’d be shocked, if he is a chancer of playing against Dortmund, I can’t see in any way that he is going to be risked against St Johnstone on Saturday night. I expect Trusty to play beside Liam Scales.”
Auston Trusty needs to be trusted
This could be his chance to shine and showcase why Rodgers brought him to the club.
Yes, he wasn’t at his best against Falkirk and they caused him, and especially that left side of the defence, issues.
READ MORE: Callum McGregor lays out how Celtic will approach St Johnstone clash as priorities clear
But it was his first start and Trusty just needs more minutes under his belt before fans can see his true worth.
Carter-Vickers’ injury situation might prove to be a blessing in disguise because it will allow Trusty more minutes and it won’t be too long before he is performing at the top of his game.
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