US Media and Twitter reacts as Cameron Harper makes Celtic debut

By Euan Davidson

January 12, 2021

Celtic were forced into several changes last night, not least of which was handing Cameron Harper a debut.

The promising winger had been on the fringes at Celtic, and his debut came in less than inspiring circumstances. Forced to play up front on his own, the young American looked isolated as the Bhoys struggled.

In the 1-1 draw, Harper came off after an hour with cramp (BBC). David Turnbull’s 82nd minute free-kick heroics nearly sealed the win for the Bhoys, before Kevin Nisbet’s scrappy equaliser ensured a point for Jack Ross’ side.

It turns out that the US football press are nearly as damning as ours. In a game where not much was expected of him in Scotland, American writers laid into the USMNT U-20 international.

For the record, we thought he did alright in testing circumstances, with the club’s own stupidity meaning that Harper was thrust into the first-team.

Cameron Harper in action for Celtic vs Hibs / (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Celtic youngster Cameron Harper faces harsh criticism

In comments that even TalkSport would decree as “a bit much”, US soccer outlets such as Fansided and Stars and Stripes FC were damning.

Fansided were disappointed:

“The Sacramento, California native’s first opportunity came in the 25th minute when Mikey Johnston slid in a pass for Harper. He elected to take a shot from a narrow-angle that went into the side netting. That was probably Celtic’s best chance of the game, but he simply didn’t make the most of it.

“Harper had another couple of chances to send a good delivery in the first half but failed on both occasions. Harper had one final chance to send in a cross in the second half but sent it out of play.

“The teenager went down with a cramp and his debut came to an end after 60 minutes, replaced by Armstrong Oko-Flex.

“It was good to see the US U-20 international as involved as he was, but his delivery and his decision making were very poor when his team needed it.”

Stars and Stripes F.C. were slightly more forgiving to the Celtic youngster:

“The top highlight came in the first half as Harper bore down on goal from the left side with the ball. He planted a shot into the side net, but gets points for going for the debut goal.

Praise is deserved for creating space in the final third on both wings, but his crosses and service were lacking. Several attempts to get the ball to an attacker in the box were well off the mark.

Generally, Harper looks like he needs more first team exposure to settle in or could benefit from taking the pitch with the first team regulars. So, he’s less a key component and more of a role player finding his footing.”

Twitter was typically divided over Celtic winger

Over on Twitter, where reasonable debate goes to die, Cameron Harper’s performance was dissected by US football fans.