Celtic defender Cristian Gamboa is confident that he can still play a key role for the club this season, according to The Herald.
The newspaper revealed on their website that the 28-year-old right-back needed to draft in his own personal trainer due to a lack of match activity with the Scottish club and force his way into Costa Rica’s World Cup squad.
After recent injuries to squad members, Gamboa was required to feature in Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against former side Rosenborg and looks set to remain with The Bhoys in the final year of his contract.
Gamboa joined Celtic from West Brom on a three-year deal in 2016 but has only made 19 appearances during a tricky stint with the club.
OPINION
Celtic should think very carefully about keeping Cristian Gamboa with Brendan Rodgers facing a hangover of defensive injuries to think about. Gamboa, who played all of Costa Rica’s five games at the 2014 World Cup, is highly experienced for his country and has even made more appearances for his native side than club appearances in the past six years. However, the right-back remains a strong professional despite not regularly starting and is willing to work hard to earn his spot and can offer support for a young Celtic defence. Gamboa got chances to displace Mikael Lustig last season and is good enough to compete with the Swede and therefore can rise up the pecking order. With Gamboa entering the final year of his contract, there has been speculation on his future but he looks set to stick with the club and will offer required strength rather than completing a move from Glasgow.