Dane Murray’s Celtic story looked all but written a few years ago when injuries and a lack of game time pushed him out of the spotlight.
Once tipped for big things after a handful of appearances under Ange Postecoglou, the young centre-back seemed destined to become another forgotten name from Lennoxtown. But fast forward to 2025, and the 22-year-old is making a serious push to re-establish himself under Brendan Rodgers.
Now bulked up and far more physically imposing, Murray has returned to the first-team picture and is grabbing his second chance with both hands.
Rodgers appears to be an admirer of the youngster’s qualities and had even planned to start him in the Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park back in January, only for a thigh injury to rule him out and hand Maik Nawrocki the jersey instead.
Last night in Como, despite a heavy defeat to Ajax, Murray was one of the few shining lights in green and white. His composed first-half display drew praise from supporters both in the ground and watching on TV.
With Murray at the heart of the backline, Celtic looked more organised and were the better team for long spells before the break.
Rodgers’ men could easily have gone into the interval with a healthy lead had they made better use of their chances, but were ultimately punished for their wastefulness in front of goal.
The second-half collapse followed after both Murray and Kieran Tierney were withdrawn at half-time, a telling reflection on the defender’s influence.
Still only 22, Murray offers Celtic a commanding presence at the back and appears comfortable in possession. His recent displays suggest he’s shaking off the ‘injury-prone’ tag and is ready to fight for a regular place.
With numbers still short in central defence, particularly with doubts over squad depth heading into a long campaign, Rodgers could well look to the academy graduate to play a bigger role in the season ahead.
The question now is whether Murray has done enough to earn a starting place alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers when Celtic raise the league flag against St Mirren at Celtic Park. On current form, he’s certainly given his manager something to think about.
On last night’s display I would start Murray before CCV.Last night CCV was atrocious slowed the game down and poor passing, caused the third goal
CCV is at least 4 weeks away from even thinking about a starting place.
He was atrocious last night. Leggy, at least a kilo over his fighting weight. He was nervous on the ball.
A lot of work on the training pitch and gym for the big man