Signed on loan after winning PL2 Player of the Year, Simpson-Pusey arrived at Celtic with genuine optimism.
It looked like a smart bit of business – a young, technical defender with a bright future and an appetite to prove himself at the senior level with some minutes at the highest level with Man City.
But as January approaches, Pusey will be heading back to Manchester City without having made the impact many hoped for, reports the Daily Mail.
Pusey’s only appearance in a Celtic shirt came under Martin O’Neill, starting at right‑back in a league match where he looked composed, confident with the ball, and at ease in possession. He even finished the game as the most accurate passer on the pitch in that outing, a performance that hinted at a player ready to step up.
Since then, however, Pusey has drifted out of the picture. The youngster has been an unused substitute in Celtic’s last four matches and hasn’t seen a single minute under Wilfried Nancy.
After impressing for an hour in the Kilmarnock game under O’Neill, there has been nothing to suggest the current manager sees him as part of his immediate plans.
Instead, Ralston has been shoehorned in at right centre back, and isn’t exactly impressing.
It’s telling that a player with promise and credentials has barely been trusted to take the field in a period when Celtic have struggled for consistency and results. With injuries piling up elsewhere, you might expect opportunities to arise, yet Pusey has remained on the bench.
Now, as the transfer window looms and the squad prepares for a busy January, Pusey’s short spell at Parkhead looks set to end prematurely. He will likely return to Man City six months earlier than anticipated.
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