Celtic’s defence has come under fresh focus after Ross McCormack gave a blunt take on the current options at the back. The ex-Scotland striker questioned both the returning players and the summer signings ahead of a big season for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Much of the attention this summer has been on Kieran Tierney’s return, but McCormack believes his comeback won’t fix the wider problems in defence. With some players leaving and others picking up knocks, Celtic still look short of cover in key areas.
McCormack didn’t hold back on Liam Scales and Auston Trusty, saying mistakes are still likely with them in the side. His opinion will strike a chord with many supporters, who have raised doubts about who can step up if Carter-Vickers misses time through injury.
He also pointed out that while Tierney is a strong addition at left-back, he plays differently from Greg Taylor. In particular, he said Celtic might miss Taylor’s ability to move into midfield, which was an important part of how they controlled games last season.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “I can’t disagree with you when you talk about Scales and Trusty. I said it last season as well. I always felt there was a mistake in them.
“But regards to Kieran Tierney, I think the problem Celtic fans are going to have this year is because he’s been down to Arsenal, and everyone even loved him down at Arsenal, even though he didn’t play a lot of games, they’re expecting this probably different player to come back, who is just a completely different level from the Kieran Tierney who went down there. It’s going to take a bit of time. He’s not played regular in quite a while.
“So it’s going to take a bit of time. I wouldn’t be too worried about him. To touch on Greg Taylor, yes, I think Celtic will miss him quite a bit.
“Not in the left-back area where Kieran Tierney is going to slot in. I think some of Greg Taylor’s best work was when he stepped into the central midfield areas from left-back. Kieran doesn’t really do that.
“So they’re going to sort of miss Greg in there. But to go back to what you said about the centre-halves, for sure, I’m with you, Ian.
” I think they need one or two in, because if, touch wood it doesn’t happen, Cameron Carter-Vickers gets a bad injury, then the players that are left with are probably not good enough to get them to a level where Celtic want to be this season.”
Tierney’s return will no doubt lift supporters, but McCormack’s comments offer a reality check. It’s not just about big names; it’s about whether the players fit the system and can cope with the demands of a long season at home and in Europe.
Greg Taylor was key to how Rodgers set the team up last season, often stepping into midfield from left-back. That role isn’t a natural fit for Tierney, and it could take time for the team to adjust without losing balance elsewhere on the pitch.
At centre-half, doubts remain over the current options. Scales and Trusty might be fine for most league games, but there are still real questions about their ability to lead the back line in tougher tests or big European nights.
With time still left in the transfer window, McCormack’s warning might already be on the minds of those at Lennoxtown. Bringing in another centre-back or possibly two now looks like something Celtic may have to do, rather than just want to.
