Celtic fans might have forgotten what excitement felt like over the past 7 or 8 months but the club shocked everyone on Tuesday by announcing a double signing of two seasoned professionals.
Fans have become accustomed to the club signing young players with potential. Some work, some don’t. The club has neglected to bring in experienced players who have played at the highest level.
Joe Hart and James McCarthy fit the criteria. Ange Postecoglou still has a massive build on his hands but the likes of Hart and McCarthy are good foundations for the rebuild.
Celtic play away to Czech side Jablonec in the Europa League third qualifying round on and Joe Hart could make his debut after signing on a three-year deal from Tottenham. James McCarthy is not in contention.
To be honest it’s hard to see how the manager could choose either Barkas or Bain over Hart. The pair have been invisible in goal for Celtic and have zero presence and they must put the fear of God in the Celtic defence.
With the team just announced this is how the Hoops will line up this evening:
Celtic team v Jablonec: Hart, Taylor, Bitton, Starfelt, Ralston, Soro, McGregor, Turnbull, Abada, Forrest, Furuhashi
Good God that is a risky team. Why is Bitton playing? Welsh must be gutted dropped to accommodate that trumpet. Bitton should be preparing for life at Barnsley by now. Is Ange looking for a way out? Picking a team like this may see him go sooner than the 3 months expected.
After the West Ham embarrassment, Welsh has no complaint