It’s testament to the Honduran’s performances that Kieran Tierney has not been missed in the starting XI.
That dreadful half hour against Motherwell feels a world away. Ripped apart by 20-year-old Chris Cadden and subbed off before half-time, Emilio Izaguirre’s long Celtic career looked to be coming to a chastening end at Fir Park in early December.
Almost a month on, however, the Honduran is looking more like the player dubbed Patrice Evra’s long term successor at Manchester United and less the error-prone, ageing full-back dropped for teen sensation Kieran Tierney.
The left-back has started five of Celtic’s last six games in all competitions and Wednesday’s 2-0 cruise against Ross County appeared to herald the return of the Izaguirre of old. A constant menace on the flank, a willing runner and the provider of a reliable stream of crosses, he looked far too strong, far too sprightly for the MLS retirement home.
According to the Scottish Sun, the coach of San Jose Earthquakes attended Celtic’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona in November, during which Izaguirre conceded a penalty, though the defender has gone from strength to strength since, dispelling the errors from his game and brushing off the rust.
As it stands, his contract is due to expire at the end of the season but there have been rumblings of a new deal for some time.
“The issue of a new contract is not down to me — my agent is negotiating with Celtic,” Izaguirre said recently, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
“Celtic have treated me so well and have always helped me.
“I have been there for seven seasons now and my family have always been very impressed with the support Celtic have given me.”
Kieran Tierney may be the future but, at present, it will take a brave man to let Izaguirre go on a free.
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