Stephen McGinn highlights the ‘unbelievably’ important Celtic man who is undroppable when fit

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be thankful for his squad depth that has saw his side through a packed run of recent fixtures without defeat.

Most recently, a goalless draw in Zagreb for the Bhoys kept his side firmly in the hunt for progression to the Champions League playoff phase despite failing to secure all three points.

Clean sheets have been a running theme across the last few weeks, with Celtic claiming four on the bounce across all competitions.

Unusually, finding the back of the net was the problem in Croatia. Regardless, defensive solidity has been a major part of the Bhoys’ rip-roaring start to the season, even if they had to rely on Hibernian missing chances at Parkhead last weekend.

Evaluating the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, Stephen McGinn believes one man stands tall above the rest when it comes to featuring at the back.

Stephen McGinn on Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Celtic impact

It won’t come as any surprise to hear that the man McGinn eludes to is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who he thinks is a cornerstone of the Celtic starting line-up and should always start when fit and available.

He explained, firstly on Auston Trusty’s form [Go Radio Football Show]: “He’s been absolutely brilliant. I think sometimes, every now and then, I know Man City are going through a tough spell and it shows you how hard it is to win, I think there’s bits, moments with Celtic (where they need to dig deep).

“Saturday was a huge reminder of what an unbelievably big player Carter-Vickers is for Celtic. I know he had it really tough in the last round of the Champions League, he scored an own goal and was probably as shaky as he’s looked as a Celtic player, but you take him out that team and it’s like, wow!

“Auston Trusty has been great in that partnership, I think that’s a partnership that can soak up pressure and they’re so quick. I just don’t think if Cameron Carter-Vickers is in, I just don’t think Hibs get the chances they get on Saturday.”

Cameron Carter-Vickers is one of Celtic’s leading lights

Everyone knows that you feel a sense of added assurity when Carter-Vickers is in the backline. Whether it be his strength, speed or experience in handling pressure situations, the United States international is the go-to man in central defence.

Credit has to go to Trusty for partnering him so well, considering his compatriot came into the building with no experience of Champions League football in particular.

Liam Scales is also waiting in the wings ready for opportunities and is another excellent option to call upon when needed.

Either way, Carter-Vickers is the first name on the teamsheet when fit and Celtic’s success in recent years is enough evidence to illustrate exactly why.