Charlie Nicholas claimed that Celtic need to sign a new defender before the transfer window slams shut.
The Sky Sports pundit claimed that it’s so easy to point out that Brendan Rodgers needs new faces to improve the Hoops’ current defensive structure but as it stands they’re taking a huge gamble by not getting anyway through the door.
Nicholas added that with injury problems mounting up for Celtic and there being teams capable of challenging them this year, the Hoops needed to get defenders through the door before the deadline.
“I know it’s so easy to say but it’s defensive structure again, well Brendan Rodgers have been controlling the successful period for two-and-a-half years nearly and Celtic need defenders in,” said Nicholas on Sky Sports News (Thursday January 31st, 13:43).
“Benkovic is on loan from Leicester and out for five or six weeks, Boyata is already out and they’re taking one huge risk by not going into the market to improve that, I know they’re chasing a right-back to step in for Lustig who I know can be injured at times also.
“So they’re taking a big gamble at this moment in time, Celtic have a fortunate schedule and Aberdeen and Rangers play each other next mid-week so the challenge is there for them.”
OPINION
Nicholas hits the nail on the head with his verdict as Celtic desperately need improving defensively and the only way for them to do that, is for them to dip their toe in the transfer market. The Hoops are leaving it late and if they don’t bring new defenders through the door shortly, it is going to leave them struggling in that department in the second half of the season. This is especially the case when you consider how injury problems are already running a muck with Rodgers’ plan and they can’t afford to slip up due to others teams breathing down their neck. Nicholas hopefully will get his wish granted but until signings are confirmed, it’s hard to not be worried about Celtic as it stands so far on transfer deadline day. Rodgers needs help fast with new recruits and hopefully he gets it, but as time ticks by supporters will be fearing the worst.