‘There’s a player there’… Michael Stewart defends under-pressure Celtic star with ‘big question marks’

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Celtic’s transfer policy has come in for some severe criticism this season.

Lack of real investment in the squad has left Celtic supporters with no option but to demonstrate against the leadership of the Parkhead board.

Celtic’s latest financial report showed that the club have over £77m in the bank whilst less than a tenth of that figure was spent strengthening the team.

But it’s a player who was purchased last season who has come under fire and Michael Stewart has defended him by telling fans that ‘there’s a player there’.

• READ MORE: Michael Stewart’s stark warning as one Celtic injury could leave Brendan Rodgers ‘snookered’

Celtic fans told Arne Engels is ‘a player’ as Michael Stewart defends midfielder

Arne Engels became Celtic’s record signing two summers ago after the club paid £11m for the Belgian midfielder.

And despite his relatively poor start to this season, Stewart has told Celtic fans that the 22-year-old is worth sticking by.

Stewart said on The Scottish Football Social Club, “When he first came in, he hit the ground running, and then it’s really just petered out.

“I think there is a player there. I think the big question marks are in terms of the transfer fee and that’s a big one.

“And I’m not sure the impact has been quite as apparent. When you compare and contrast, obviously, with such a small transfer fee, and you look at Benjamin Nygren, he’s a player.

“He’s a really good player. But, I mean, Celtic can carry that. They’ve got gazillions in the bank. It’s not an issue for them in that it’s more they would rather have the impact of the player coming in and giving them that option,.

“Because they just look a little bit ineffective with what they’ve got coming off the bench. And Balikwisha’s not long in the door, he needs to really start showing something.”

Arne Engels’ Celtic numbers since big £11m transfer move

There is no doubt Engels is a talented footballer. Not many players who aren’t talented get picked for the Belgian national squad.

So here is how the young midfielder has fared at Celtic since his £11m move:

Whilst most of his goals and assists came last season, Engels has struggled for game time this year under Rodgers.

But despite that, Stewart still believes the youngster has a bright future at the club and so do many Celtic supporters.