Concerning Celtic Flash Point Must be Addressed

Since the departure of Scott Brown, Celtic have been left without an enforcer on the pitch, someone who wouldn’t be scared to let the referee know he was wrong or get stuck into an opponent if they’re picking on any of his teammates. By lacking this, Celtic have no character that will protect their players on the park in a physical manner.

On Sunday, Kyogo was challenged and as a result, he fell to the ground in pain. The culprit of the challenge, Ramsay, then tried to pull Kyogo to his feet despite lying on the ground in discomfort. Not a single player ran over to defend Kyogo or told Ramsay where to go.

When Halliday challenged McGregor on the first day of the season, no players swarmed the referee to let him know how they felt about the challenge that should have seen the Hearts man sent off.

Celtic also lack the player that will try to win the game at any cost. Anthony Ralston is the closest to this – but he is not of a high enough standard.

During games like Livingston away this season, Celtic have been crying out for a player to take the came by the scruff of the neck and try to impact the game.

In no way am I suggesting that our current players don’t know what it means to play in the green and white hooped jersey or that Callum McGregor is not good enough to wear the captain’s armband, but every team needs a player who will commit a crunching tackle, and looking at the current Celtic squad, I do not see that ‘bad boy’.

To put briefly what I have said, January should see new signings come in the door that are no-nonsense, but also of a good enough quality for Celtic. No more Shane Duffy or James McCarthy signings, just players who will suit Postecoglou’s style of play and take no prisoners on the pitch.