Celtic fans slammed Simunovic, so was Zenit display perfectly timed?

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Scottish Premiership side Celtic edged Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 in their Europa League round-of-32 first leg at Parkhead.

Jozo Simunovic offered a timely reminder why he is Celtic’s number one centre-back in their 1-0 Europa League win against Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday.

A brilliantly taken Callum McGregor goal gave the Hoops an essential lead heading into the return leg in Russia but the clean sheet is of arguably even greater importance.

Before the game, the cynics were out in force with Celtic’s backline, particularly Simunovic, looking shaky of late. The former Dinamo Zagreb man was blamed by many fans for both of Partick Thistle’s goals in Saturday’s 3-2 Scottish Cup win so what chance did he have against the Europa League group stage’s most prolific side?

After all, it was understandable why many were concerned about his presence in the backline as Roberto Mancini’s Russian giants came to town. But they needn’t have worried.

Because Simunovic was back to his best on Thursday night, putting in a solid and commanding performance alongside youngster Kristoffer Ajer as Celtic restricted Zenit to just two shots on target in an excellent 90-minute performance at Parkhead.

According to the Mail, a number of Premier League teams including Crystal Palace and Burnley were keen to sign Simunovic in January with a £7 million fee mooted.

The truth is, however, Simunovic had not looked like a £7 million man for a while; until midweek.

So if a Crystal Palace side in need of defensive reinforcements over the summer with Scott Dann and Damien Delaney ageing are keen, their interest should have been piqued by arguably Simunovic’s finest display in months.