Brendan Rodgers made an interesting call with his Celtic centre-backs for the opening game of the new season.
Celtic beat St Mirren 1-0 on Sunday, with Cameron Carter-Vickers starting alongside Liam Scales at the heart of the defence, and Auston Trusty sitting on the bench.
New signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was watching on from the stands at Parkhead, and now he is getting a taste of his first week at Celtic after joining on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Even though Simpson-Pusey’s arrival is much-needed because the defence has been indifferent, there is still competition ahead of the 19-year-old.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey during the FA Cup Third Round tie between Manchester City vs Salford City
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s battle with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty at Celtic
Simpson-Pusey has come out and stated that his best qualities are playing out from the back, but Peter Grant wanted to push back on that.
The Hoops hero made it clear, ‘I still like seeing good defenders’, before highlighting how well Carter-Vickers and Scales played over the weekend.
Speaking on Go Radio, Grant also noted the injury issues that have faced Celtic’s backline, especially Carter-Vickers.
“I know Carter-Vickers had a few injury problems,” stated Grant. “I am positive the boy is a right-sider. I think that’s maybe an area Celtic have looked at.
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“To be fair, I thought Carter-Vickers and Scales did very well at the weekend. They defended their one-v-one very well. It’s interesting, the young man is saying that, ‘it’s his qualities on the ball.’ I still like seeing good defenders. I keep saying that. I like the defenders.
“Yes, we want them on the ball, and the way Celtic play. Playing between the lines quickly, getting forward and creating chances. We all want that.
“It’s going to be interesting. You do need the players throughout the season. You have got Scales, Trusty, and you have got Carter-Vickers. You have got to try and keep them fit.”
When Simpson-Pusey could play for Celtic
Unless Simpson-Pusey isn’t physically ready, you presume he will be in the matchday squad for Celtic’s clash at Aberdeen on Sunday.
But Grant can’t see him playing, and instead, he will probably first feature when Celtic face Falkirk in the League Cup on August 15.
“I am sure there must be a period in there that Brendan is going to play him,” added Grant. “Maybe the League Cup to start with. If someone gets injured, god forbid, but it’s a challenge for him.
“Now, if I am Carter-Vickers, I want to make sure I am 100% fit and play as often as I can. If I am Trusty and Scales, I am the same. I don’t care if you are coming from Manchester City. You are going to have to fight to get into this team.
“If he takes the fight on, gets in and gets an opportunity, age means nothing; it’s about your performance that counts. At 19, you can be an old man at 19, football-wise. I am looking forward to seeing how he handles it. It’s not a signing I thought Celtic would have made.”