In his recent column for RecordSport, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton voiced concerns about the Celtic’s current defensive frailties, specifically suggesting that Cameron Carter-Vickers requires a more robust partner to enhance the team’s defence.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, described by Sutton as a “rock for Celtic,” has been a key figure since joining Celtic. However, Sutton pointed out that despite Carter-Vickers’ solid performances, the team has struggled to maintain a consistent defensive record, achieving only two clean sheets in their last 11 games.
Liam Scales, who recently signed a new four-year deal with Celtic, is currently Carter-Vickers’ primary partner in central defence. While Scales has shown considerable improvement and has been a reliable player this season, Sutton believes that the demands of the upcoming matches require a higher level of performance, especially given the challenges posed by teams like Kilmarnock.
The Sky Sports man reminisced about the partnership between Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt under former manager Ange Postecoglou, describing it as a solid pairing. The comparison draws attention to what Sutton perceives as a current gap in the team’s defensive setup.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is a rock for Celtic, but there needs to be better alongside him.
Sutton said: “With Carl Starfelt, Ange Postecoglou had a solid pairing whom he could rely upon when the going got tough and they had to dig it out and see it through. It’s not like that right now.”
While acknowledging Scales’ contributions and stating that he does not deserve harsh criticism, Sutton emphasised the need for all players, including Scales, to elevate their game as the season approaches its critical final games.
Liam divides opinion, he certainly doesn’t deserve abuse, but he is nowhere near the standard Celtic need to elevate themselves. There’s a reason why rival teams target him. People who give him dogs abuse are idiots, however, people who claim he’s good enough as a first team pick at Celtic are also living on a different planet.
