Celtic: Tony Haggerty claims fans ‘don’t trust’ Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas

Football journalist Tony Haggerty has claimed that Celtic fans ‘don’t trust’ goalkeeping options Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas.

Not that long ago, the Bhoys paid AEK Athens a reported £4.5m to sign Barkas on a four-year deal. Since that move in 2020, however, things have not gone to plan.

Indeed, the ‘keeper received plenty of criticism during his time between the sticks and this caused Celtic to go and sign Joe Hart on a free transfer this summer.

While Hart has settled fast, claiming the number-one role with apparent ease, there are still doubts over the depth of quality in that position. This is because ‘incredibly poor’ alternative choice Scott Bain has also failed to convince after being handed the opportunity to impress himself as Barkas had seemingly struggled to settle in Glasgow having lost his starting place.

While discussing the position on A Celtic State of Mind, Haggerty stated the Celtic faithful simply ‘don’t trust’ Barkas and Bain and that the club should aim to sell both players.

He explained his belief, saying: “Celtic supporters are seeing with their own eyes, they don’t trust Bain, certainly don’t trust Barkas. 

“So if you can offload any of them, or both, in the January transfer window and use whatever you recoup for them, cut your losses that you’ll get something for them, and put it towards a goalkeeper.”

TIF Thoughts on Scott Bain, Vasilis Barkas and Celtic…

There’s a chance Hart goes through the entire season without suffering any injuries, in which case, this isn’t an issue likely to concern Ange Postecoglou and co, who have apparently been impressed by the Englishman’s impact in Scotland.

However, he could easily miss a number of games, as footballers often do, with various fitness struggles, especially considering the Bhoys will likely have European competition to contend with beyond the new year.

Bain has been trusted to start just two games this season, conceding four goals in that time. Meanwhile, Barkas has just started once – a game in which he made an obvious mistake.

Taking all that into account, it’s easy to see why Haggerty has expressed his own doubts – and suggested the fans feel similarly – when talking about the two goalkeeping options.

Perhaps a new signing will be needed in the January transfer market. If not, Hart’s fitness could define Celtic’s season.

In other news: ‘Repairing more of the Lawwell damage’ – Many Celtic fans thrilled with ‘glorious’ club news