It’s one thing to join a top football club, and quite another to become the backbone of its defence. Cameron Carter-Vickers, who began his Celtic journey in 2021 on loan from Spurs before making the deal permanent, has done just that.

His performance in the green and white has been nothing short of stellar, making fans and pundits believe he might be the best defender the club has seen in years.

Although he’s missed most of this season through injury, there’s no doubt that when he’s back up to full fitness, the backline will go up another level.

From his initial days in the Scottish giants’ defence, Carter-Vickers quickly made the Celtic Park his own fortress. His anticipation, timing, composure and commanding presence have been instrumental in keeping the opposition at bay, earning him praises from all quarters.

Yet, it’s not just about the skills; it’s about the mindset. At Celtic, where the expectations soar as high as the historic stands of the stadium, Carter-Vickers learned the art of thriving under pressure. He says, “It’s a club where there’s always pressure on you which I think someone like me almost needs that to keep me focused and keep me playing at my highest level week-in and week out,” quoted by Sporting News.

“As a player sometimes, when you’re playing week-in and week out, you kinda get into a rhythm of turning up. I don’t think the fans at Celtic allow that, a draw in the league is a disaster for the fans. Once you realize that, you know every game you have to be going 100 percent to win the game, and if you don’t….be ready,” he adds, finishing that little bit with a chuckle.

This constant pressure, as the defender puts it, ensures there’s no room for complacency. With Celtic fans considering even a draw as a disaster, as was demonstrated after the St Johnstone game, the commitment to excellence is unwavering.

Recalling a particularly unforgettable season, when the pressure was high, Carter-Vickers shared the intense race against Rangers. Chasing them for most of the season and eventually clinching the league title was not just exciting but was also a relief. But as he rightly points out, that relief is fleeting in the world of football.

“My first year at Celtic, when we won the league, we were behind Rangers until about February and it felt like we were always chasing them.

“When we eventually won the league that year, that was obviously super exciting but also a lot of relief because the pressure of beating them to win the league…but that relief only lasts for five weeks, and then you’ve got to win the next cup or next league.”

Given his consistent brilliance, it’s no surprise that there are whispers about a bumper contract coming Carter-Vickers’ way from Celtic. While the future remains to be seen, one thing is clear: Celtic sees him as a vital part of their future plans.

Apart from his club success, the horizon looks promising for Carter-Vickers on the international front as well. He’s made two recent appearances off the bench for the US Men’s National Team, hinting at a revived international career after his World Cup call-up, too.