Celtic have suffered an incredibly 2020/21 disappointing campaign. Mathematically unable to win the league, many would be forgiven for writing off the Hoops last five league fixtures.
Despite this, these games present Celtic with an opportunity to blood several young players.
Ahead of 2021/22, it is crucial that there is a pathway for starlets to gain valuable first-team experience. Additionally, there is still the matter of the Scottish Cup to play for alongside a trip to Ibrox.
Celtic could do a lot worse than giving Adam Montgomery a chance
It is unlikely that any youngsters would be thrown into contests of severe magnitude like the Rangers clash. However, the games against Aberdeen, Hibernian, St Johnstone, and Livingston could be the perfect chance to grant these openings.
John Kennedy has brought through the likes of the left-sided Adam Montgomery into the senior fold in recent weeks, though he has yet to make his debut.
Someone like Montgomery could breathe some life into this Celtic outfit and give fans something tangible to cheer for in closing stages of the campaign.
Lennoxtown success stories Kieran Tierney and James Forrest both made their debuts in similar circumstances. Forrest in particular used this platform to break into the senior ranks, scoring against Motherwell back in 2010 [BBC Sport].
Nothing to lose for Celtic in remaining league fixtures
The 29-year-old has gone on to be an integral player for Celtic earning deserved adulation. Nonetheless, he might never have entered the fray had then-boss Neil Lennon not put faith in the winger.
Celtic should follow suit now and put trust in their left-sided prospect. Results haven’t been outstanding in recent weeks, so adopting this approach may not alter on-field events drastically.
Whether it be those such as Montgomery, who are yet to appear at first-string level, or someone like Ewan Henderson who has been frozen out of the squad, why don’t we see what these players can offer next season?
Otherwise, the next two months look pretty grim from our perspective.
Elsewhere on 67 Hail Hail, the wantaway Dutch goalkeeper who Celtic should target to solve problem position.
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