Cameron Carter-Vickers’ season at Celtic is over.
The injury-prone defender has ruptured his Achilles tendon which rules Carter-Vickers out for the remainder of Celtic’s season.
Looking at five months on the treatment table, the American international’s latest injury gives interim boss Martin O’Neill a short-term problem to a longer term issue.
With Celtic still searching for a new manager, whoever comes in will have to find a solution to the gaping hole Carter-Vickers leaves in the Hoops first team squad.
However, 67 Hail Hail believes that there is a defender Celtic could get who would not break the bank and who would also be a genuine replacement for Carter-Vickers.
Justin Haak is the ‘ball-playing centre back’ Celtic should sign to replace Carter-Vickers
Justin Haak is predominantly a central midfielder but has been deployed as a centre-back for New York City in the MLS.
The former USA U20 international defender is out of contract in December and it appears that he is well sought after in the States and in the Championship.
US football expert Tom Bogert said on X about the defender/midfielder, “Justin Haak is a name to watch this winter.
“The NYCFC defender is out of contract after a career-year as a ball-playing CB.
“Will be a ton of interest in MLS free agency but also Championship teams are among those interested for January move.”
After spending a successful season as a centre back and helping NYC to fifth in the MLS table, what makes Haak the perfect replacement for Carter-Vickers?
Why Justin Haak is perfect for Celtic
Haak has been praised this season by New York City head coach Pascal Jansen as he commended the American’s composure in a back four as well as his winning mentality.
Jansen told New York City’s official website back in March, “Justin is a winner. He’s very competitive. In the midfield, he brings a lot of composure and defensive awareness.
“We’re also working on his decision-making on the ball going forward. When he plays in the back four, he has more time and space, which allows him to bring that composure to our buildup.
“But his winning mentality stands out above all.”
Haak has played 3008 minutes as a centre back for NYC but has still scored one goal and created four assists.
In the 49 appearances played as a centre back, New York have lost just ten of those as Haak provides stability and composure at the heart of their defence.
Haak has a 53.2% duel success rate, made 163 ball recoveries and averages 1.51 tackles per game in the MLS. [Fotmob]
At 24, Haak is a former MLS Cup winner and MLS Champion.
Haak knows what it takes to win silverware and would be one Celtic should consider to add to the ranks as a long-term replacement for Carter-Vickers.
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