A number of Celtic supporters were left drooling over the performance of defender Emilio Izaguirre against Partick Thistle as he made his first appearance since returning on a free transfer this summer.
The Hoops took the lead in the Scottish League Cup tie courtesy of a Leigh Griffiths effort, but the home side equalised with a goal from Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo – although late strikes from Moussa Dembele and Tom Rogic sealed the win..
However it was the display of veteran Izaguirre, who returned to the club after a year away with Al Feiha on a free transfer this summer, which had the Bhoys faithful delighted, with many stating that it was like he had never left Parkhead.
This is Futbol has rounded up a selection of the supporters’ best tweets:
https://twitter.com/faithless0000/status/1030784412487696384
Izzy's passing is still there, solid addition to the squad.
— Eight Trebles & Minted FC (@888MumbaiMagic) August 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/paperheart_0/status/1030784130974404610
Always a bit dubious about players coming back for a second spell. Not this time. Izzy, glad to have you back ?
— Ciaran N (@CiaranBhoy88) August 18, 2018
Izzy man whatta player ?
— Paul Houston (@Houstybhoy86) August 18, 2018
Wee Izzy looks like he never left, he’s having a great game. ??
— FourStringBhoy???x4 ??? (@Pedro_1961) August 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/ProdicalSon88/status/1030787934260277248
Brilliant from Sinclair and izaguirre looking sharp. Wit year is it
— Jamie ???????? (@JBoswell67) August 18, 2018
Opinion
Some fans might have had doubts about Izaguirre returning to the club, especially at the age of 32, but it seems as though his talent has gone nowhere, and his experience makes him a valuable member of the squad. He faces a serious fight if he wants to think about nailing down a regular first team role, with Kieran Tierney the man ahead of him in the pecking order, but at least it appears that Brendan Rodgers has a quality replacement to rotate with, especially in the cup competitions, or if injury or suspension hits the Scottish left back. With over 250 appearances for the Hoops, the Honduras international is a popular figure among the Bhoys, and if he continues to put in impressive displays like this then he will only continue to endear himself to the supporters. The future might be in the young players, but with Izaguirre, Scott Brown, and Craig Gordon in the squad, the club have plenty of experience to call upon.