Celtic now look to have two viable options at right-back.
It was only weeks ago that serious concerns remained about Celtic’s options on the right hand side of defence.
The departure of Mikael Lustig and two of his three back-up options left a serious hole the Hoops team, with just the inexperienced and now loaned out Anthony Ralston available.
Hatem Abd Elhamed became a new arrival but had yet to make a serious impact and was struggling with early injuries.
With just Kristoffer Ajer left to fill the void, which required him to be moved out of his strongest position, Neil Lennon had a big problem on his hands.
Now, just a short time later, there’s been a turnaround in the club’s fortunes with two viable choices now competing for the same spot in the starting eleven.
Elhamed proved himself at Ibrox against Rangers with a titanic derby display, while the signing of Moritz Bauer on loan from Stoke City appears to be a positive bit of recruitment.
The Austrian was himself thrown into the derby cauldron last Sunday and didn’t look out of place on his debut.
The case for Elhamed
The Israeli international has taken to life at Celtic very comfortably indeed.
Playing in committed fashion through the pain of a reported hairline fracture against the club’s city rivals, he appears to be as tough as they come.
He’s fit, strong and composed on the ball, providing the Hoops with the needed defensive stability on the right flank that allows James Forrest to be unleashed.
The player arrived with question marks considering his uninspiring playing history and lack of specialised role at his former clubs, but during his initial performances he looks every bit like a right-back who can shine in Lennon’s team.
The case for Bauer
Less is known about the recent recruit but like Elhamed his physical attributes looked impressive against Rangers.
He also possessed a unique weapon in the form of a bullet throw that can travel quite a distance, potentially giving the Hoops a set piece advantage in the opposition half. Not that Celtic should turn into peak-Stoke City, but it is an option.
Bauer has also played at a higher level than Elhamed previously and appears to have fallen out of favour at Stoke through circumstance rather than ability.
A specialised right-back, he may be more of a natural in the position than his new teammate.
Who will Lennon go with?
The likelihood is that the Celtic manager will stick with his permanent signing Elhamed for now. The 28-year-old hasn’t put a foot wrong so far and it would be harsh to shunt him out of the team on current form.
Bauer is also a loan signing and while the Hoops have an option to buy, it makes more sense to invest time in Elhamed for now as both players adjust to life in Glagsow.
Day to day life in training will of course also play a big factor. If one of them call pull ahead in that environment they’ll get opportunities.
Given the squad problems Celtic have faced over the last few months, Lennon must be delighted that this dilemma is not one borne from being stretched so thin.
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