The Mentality Required To Get Celtic Over The Line

March 12, 2024 admin Celtic fc 0

Celtic eventually sealed their passage into the Scottish Cup semi-finals at the weekend thanks to late goals from Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi. Despite the 4-2 scoreline however it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Hoops on the day and the nature of the goals conceded must be giving serious cause for concern to Brendan Rodgers. In truth centre half pairing Liam Scales and Stephen Welsh were less than convincing throughout and the manager must be ruing the niggling injuries that have limited defensive rock Cameron Carter-Vickers’ appearances throughout the campaign. On this occasion his absence was described as precautionary following a concern at training on Friday and the hope is he’ll return against St Johnstone this weekend. Aside from the defensive qualities he undoubtedly brings however it’s his calmness and leadership which are every bit as important to this Celtic side.Put simply Livingston don’t score their first goal if CCV is in place, and the same very likely applies to their second. Though quiet by nature the US international is a determined character who leads by example and Celtic are notably weaker without his presence.
Celtic Captain Callum McGregor
Add to the mix the enforced absence of club captain Callum McGregor and all of a sudden we look incredibly light on leaders. What Carter-Vickers is to the defence, McGregor is to the whole team. Even when not at his best he’s the driving force behind the side and the first figure that the players look to when the chips are down. Rumours that his season is over look to be wide of the mark and the club will be doing all they can behind the scenes to ensure he returns sooner rather than later. Celtic’s title charge could depend on it. Experienced stopper Joe Hart has stepped up on several occasions in recent weeks – and pulled off a vital stop at 2-2 against Livi – and there’s no doubt the ex-England international will be doing all he can to ensure a successful end to the season. But he can’t do it alone. Big figures such as Alistair Johnston, Greg Taylor and Matt O’Riley must also now roll up their sleeves in the absence of McGregor and Carter-Vickers and show the character to once again get us over the line. Ability will only take you so far, and whilst this Celtic squad undoubtedly have plenty of that, it’s now their mental fortitude which will be put to the test most as they chase down a domestic double.Let’s hope they’re re-joined in that quest as soon as possible by two guys who know all too well what it takes to lift silverware in a Celtic shirt.

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