The return of Cameron Carter-Vickers to Celtic’s defensive line on Saturday is undeniably a significant boost, yet it presents manager Brendan Rodgers with a delightful but perplexing challenge.

The competition for that second centre-back spot is fierce, given the club’s vast array of talented defenders.

Six weeks ago, Rodgers had difficulty picking defenders for his lineup due to injuries. Now, with Carter-Vickers firmly set as the primary choice in central defence, the battle for the other spot rages on between Liam Scales, Nat Phillips, and Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Maik Nawrocki will also be eying a place in the backline when he returns from injury.

However, Simon Donnely believes it’s Scales’ jersey to lose, and it’s up to the other defenders to show their worth for a starting spot.

Donnelly commended Scales, saying; [Official Celtic Podcast]

“Carter-Vickers is back. He’s so influential. The time he’s been at the club, he’s been a rock. With Starfelt last year, the defence was superb.

“He’s now had to experience different centre-backs with Starfelt leaving. Carter-Vickers returning, he’s such a big player and it gives the boys around him a boost as well. Speaking from experience, when important players come back who have been such important members of the team and been out through injury, you get a lift from that as well.

“Scales has stamped his authority on that position. He’s really stolen the jersey from a few guys who have maybe come in and had their eye on it, so it’s down to the other players to shift him.”

As Celtic prepares for the upcoming games, and players start to get up to full fitness, Rodgers will undoubtedly have tough choices to make.