CHRIS SUTTON believes that some Celtic players were gifted the opportunity to impress on Thursday night but failed to impress their manager.
Postecoglou named a rotated eleven with many fringe players getting the nod. Although, it’s fair to say they’ve not done themselves any favours.
Take Scales, for example, Taylor gifted him the chance to cement his place in the team until at least summer. However, his poor performance against Bodo has shown fans, and his manager, that he’s simply not up to the standard required. It’s hard to argue he should be named in the starting XI over Taylor.
Talking on Scottish Football Extra on BT Sport, Sutton said;
“I just thought that there were there were players who aren’t priorities for Ange who had the opportunity to didn’t step up.
“They had the opportunity tonight. The likes of Scales.
“I think Celtic have always had a problem itself in that left back area. He was one who disappointed. I thought he could have done better with the first goal.
“Ange left a lot of his big hitters out.
“James Forrest has been quiet this season. Hasn’t really come to the fore.
“He was pretty flat.
“But they missed the key players and that was that was the story of the game for Celtic.
“And Ange clearly prioritising with the league. I think we get that.
“Having said that to go out of Europe in that fashion disappointing.”
Forrest has been a great player throughout his time at Celtic; there’s no arguing that. However, this season it’s clear that the winger is not up to the standard required. It’s a sad reality. Wingers typically have a short shelf life, and aged 30, Forrest’s time at Celtic is coming to an end.
Postecoglou does not let the player’s status at the club trouble his decision making. Thursday night’s performance could be enough for Ange to decide some player’s future.
I agree and there are more in that squad another 8 needing moved on next window..