Celtic have spent heavily in the past 24 months trying to fill the gap left by Carl Starfelt, with very little success.

Maik Nawrocki, Nat Phillips, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Auston Trusty have all come through the door, but it’s Liam Scales who has ultimately emerged as Cameron Carter-Vickers’ most consistent partner at the heart of the Hoops’ defence. He is someone who was deemed surplus to requirements by the manager and was set for an exit until an injury crisis struck.

Carter-Vickers remains the bedrock of Brendan Rodgers’ backline. With a contract until 2029 and no strong suggestion that he’s pushing for a move, fans can breathe a little easier. But former Parkhead defender Charlie Mulgrew has warned just how costly losing the American could be, calling him one of the most irreplaceable figures at the club.

Speaking this week, Mulgrew stressed that Carter-Vickers’ influence on the pitch goes well beyond the stats. With defensive partners coming and going around him, the 27-year-old has been the steady constant in Celtic’s back four.

He said to RecordSport: “I think that’s massive. I don’t think they’ll want to let him go.

“Obviously, everybody has their price, but I think his will be high.

“I think he’s arguably one of the most important players and most important player at Celtic.

“With not having a regular beside him, he’s the one, the mainstay, that’s there.

“It’s who’s going to play beside him. I think holding on to him will be worth its weight in gold and like a new signing. You’d never want to get rid of him.”

While speculation always exists, Carter-Vickers’ long-term deal gives Celtic a strong hand.

Finding a partner for the American has got to be a priority this summer, with Champions League qualifiers in August.