Arrival of Hendry and Musonda prompts threatened Celtic players to shine

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The Celtic January arrivals have had more of an effect on the squad than simply bringing their own footballing qualities to the team.

Brendan Rodgers’ January signings appear to be having quite an impact in the dressing room, not simply due to what they have personally brought to the team, but their evident influence on existing Celtic players whose position is under threat following their arrival.

January saw the Hoops bring in two centre-backs in Marvin Compper and Jack Hendry, an attacking midfielder in Charly Musonda and a new goalkeeper in Scott Bain.

Going off last night’s Europa League victory over Roberto Mancini’s Zenit St Petersburg, the arrival of Hendry and Musonda has had a brilliant effect on Jozo Simunovic and Callum McGregor respectively.

Simunovic, 23, has come under some heavy criticism in recent months, following a number of shaky performances. Rodgers has opted for teenager Kristoffer Ajer and Dedryk Boyata as the centre-half pairing, with the Bosnian slipping down the pecking order. However, the 23-year-old’s commanding display last night will have done wonders for his playing opportunities.

Simunovic was a man mountain from start to finish for the Hoops, clearing up at the back every time Zenit managed a quick break. His display was exactly the type of performance Celtic fans have been crying out for from their defenders, and there is no doubt he will have re-gained a lot of trust from his manager.

With Hendry having signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Celts, the club’s trio of young central defenders in Hendry, Simunovic and Ajer will prompt quite the rivalry in years to come, should the Bhoys manage to hold on to all three.

As for McGregor, the Hoops midfielder looks to be having a resurgence in form following the arrival Musonda, marking his 150th Celtic appearance by netting a superb winner to earn his side the lead going into next week’s return leg in Russia.

Ironically, it was a piece of Musonda brilliance off the bench that gave the opportunity for McGregor to convert, and the two looked to link up well when the Chelsea youngster was introduced to the fray.

With Musonda set to be at Celtic Park for the next 18 months, should his sheer presence continue to bring out the best in McGregor, this can only bode well for the success of Brendan Rodgers’ side.