Celtic’s centre-back issues are well documented, but what about either side of the heart of defence?
Celtic have suffered somewhat of a centre-back crisis this season. In many of their big games, especially in the Champions League, against the likes of European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, right-back Mikael Lustig and central midfielder Nir Bitton have slotted in as make shift centre-halves.
Injuries to Dedryk Boyata, Jozo Simunovic and Erik Svitachenko have seriously hampered Brendan Rodgers’ defensive selection and, had it not been for the recent emergence of Norwegian teenager Kristoffer Ajer, Celtic may have been in a rather sticky situation.
Thankfully for Celtic fans, the club have managed to land some experience in Marvin Compper, 32, who arrived at the beginning of this month from RB Leipzig.
But is centre-back the real position of priority when it comes to strengthening? The club’s forward and midfield options are stacked and there is no doubt about that, but what about the full-back positions?
There are plenty of suitable full-backs out there who could do a job for Celtic should the Glasgow club come calling. Manchester United’s Demetri Mitchell, who recently joined Hearts on loan, may have been a suitable short-term option.
Perhaps a young Scot like Stephen Kingsley of Hull or former Hearts man Callum Paterson of Cardiff City would suit. Both 23, the two full-backs broke on to the international scene for Scotland in 2016, picking up valuable experience at the highest level. Both are familiar with the Scottish league and would likely be affordable should Brendan Rodgers be interested.
Just as Mikael Lustig has made the right-back position his own since arriving from Rosenborg in 2012, Kieran Tierney has followed suit on the left. In fact, if he stays, Tierney probably has the left-back shirt for the next decade.
Following the Swede’s recent performance against Rangers, which was severely under par compared to his consistent standards over the years, there have been murmurs among fans that he may be past his prime.
Lustig himself has publicly stated his wish to retire at the club but, if his performances continue to slump. Celtic may have no decision but to bring in reinforcements.
As it stands, other than Tierney and Lustig the club have three further full-backs. Cristian Gamboa, who has only managed a small number of appearances for the club all of which have been pretty underwhelming, Anthony Ralston and Calvin Miller.
The latter two are both 19 and have minimal first-team experience and, despite being bright prospects, are probably not who you want to be starting against Europe’s finest in the Champions League.
Gamboa has also been linked with a move away and, should that happen, with Ralston currently out injured it does feel like the full-back area needs strengthening.
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