Former Celtic goalkeeper and BBC pundit Pat Bonner has defended Celtic record signing Arne Engels, with the Belgian receiving criticism from a small number of Hoops supporters over a dip in performances over the last six weeks.
Bonner, though, was quick to highlight a strong performance from Engels this afternoon against St Johnstone, with the Belgian receiving Man of the Match for the second time this week after winning the award on Thursday against Motherwell.
He said: (BBC Radio Scotland), “He played well today, though. I thought he got himself into some really good positions inside the box. He had a shot in the first half that was well saved. That brilliant ball in there for Kyogo’s goal.
“I think he has done well. Young players will go through that (criticism). There will be troughs where they have to find a way to manage through it. That’s the manager’s job also.
“The fans can’t be too critical of young players because I think he has the potential to go on and be a brilliant player, as the years tick on.”
Engels has hit top form just ahead of the Glasgow Derby on Thursday at Ibrox, with the Belgian firmly in contention to start the game.
However, Brendan Rodgers may very well go for the tried and tested midfield of McGregor, Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo, who have done it time and time again against Rangers.
With a number of people in the Scottish media desperate to write off Celtic’s record signing, it’s great to see an ex-Celtic player who has a strong voice in the media defending Engels and giving him the praise he rightly deserves after some sensational performances against Motherwell and St Johnstone back to back at Celtic Park over the last couple of days.
