Did Rodgers mess up? Celtic’s early Compper transfer under fire from former player

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Former Celtic attacker Kris Commons is not impressed with the Marvin Compper signing.

Former Celtic attacker Kris Commons has told BBC Scotland he is confused by the club’s signing of Marvin Compper.

Commons believes Compper is the wrong player for Celtic right now, due to both his age, and the fact he will be ineligible to play in the Europa League this season.

The former Scotland international, now 34, said that he felt the signing was an odd one, with Compper brought in from German side Red Bull Leipzig.

Commons said: “I find it strange Celtic have signed a defender who is 32.

“When they are over 30, there are a few doubts in terms of ‘how long have they got?’ and their fitness levels. Is he going to be sharp enough? He is a big boy.

“He is not able to play in the Europa League, and I think that is where they need him. Go and get a centre-half who can take you to the next level.”

Commons did go onto add that he felt Compper could turn out to be a success over a two to three year period, but just feels that the fact he cannot play against Zenit St Petersburg due to being cup-tied is a real knock against the decision from Brendan Rodgers.

He said: “Who knows, Compper might be superb in the next three years and be an unbelievable signing. But Celtic need a centre-half for European football, someone who is going to get you through these next two ties.”

Where Compper could be handy is by playing in the league and keeping Celtic’s other centre-backs fresh.

Having him on board provides Brendan Rodgers with greater facility to rotate his options, and that has to be good considering the long trip to Russia required, even if Compper himself will not be available for selection.