James McFadden believes that Ismaila Soro was something of a passenger for Celtic last night, claiming that Callum McGregor is miles ahead of him as a midfielder.
Celtic kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 4-3 defeat away to Real Betis in Spain.
The Hoops raced into an early 2-0 lead but found themselves 4-2 in the final 10 minutes after a dismal defensive display, though Anthony Ralston struck a late consolation.
Ange Postecoglou was without his captain Callum McGregor due to injury.
And McFadden has claimed that Soro wasn’t a great replacement for the Celtic skipper last night.
He told BBC Sport: “The biggest loss for me is Callum McGregor. Soro does not offer you anywhere near the quality of McGregor to entice the press and play that pass forward.
“The game has passed Soro by, both on and off the ball. On a couple of occasions that has cost Celtic.”
Big miss
On nights like these, Celtic need a blend of ability and experience – and McGregor brings both in abundance.
With that in mind, he was always going to be a huge miss for the Bhoys.
But Postecoglou told Sky Sports before the game that it was only a ‘bit of a knock’ that sidelined the Celtic midfielder and therefore hopefully this is only a short-term absence.
Postecoglou’s side are back in Scottish Premiership action this weekend with a trip to Livingston on Sunday afternoon.
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