Former Celtic hero Simon Donnelly reckons Cameron Carter-Vickers’ return will have benefits beyond his defensive work, even providing a boost for the rest of his teammates in the Bhoys squad.
Carter-Vickers has struggled with injury issues throughout the summer and into the new season but managed to come off the bench against Lazio and start for the club against Kilmarnock last weekend.
He’s now expected to retain his place in the side following the international break, most likely alongside Liam Scales. And Donnelly reckons it’s a big moment for this Celtic team working under Brendan Rodgers.
He said this week [Daily Record 11/10 print edition, page 43]: “Carter-Vickers is back. He’s so influential. The time he’s been at the club, he’s been a rock. With Starfelt last year, the defence was superb. He’s now had to experience different centre-backs with Starfelt leaving.
“He’s such a big player and it gives the boys around him a boost as well. Speaking from experience, when important players come back who have been such important members of the team and been out through injury, you get a lift from that as well.
“Scales has stamped his authority on that position. He’s really stolen the jersey from a few guys who have maybe come in and had their eye on it, so it’s down to the other players to sort of shift him.”
Gustaf Lagerbielke is also available for selection, as is Nat Phillips. But as Donnelly alludes to, they have a tough task to get into the team ahead of the Republic of Ireland international.
Scales has a decent chance of playing alongside Carter-Vickers right up until Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh return from longer-term injuries. If he can stay fit and on form until then, even one of the summer’s big signings in Nawrocki may not be guaranteed to return.
Regardless of who partners the USA international, Carter-Vickers will be massive in steering the direction of the defensive line. It really is great news he has overcome his difficulties and his influence will be easy to see moving forward.
In other news, Celtic’s Champions League opponents have fan bans dished out.
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