BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart has criticised Celtic defender Carl Starfelt for his performances since coming into the club this summer.
Writing in his weekly column for Sun Sport, Stewart believes that the Swedish defender could potentially be the downfall for Ange Postecoglou’s side, ahead of this weekend’s massive derby fixture against Rangers.
“Carl Starfelt was meant to be the answer to Celtic’s defensive woes.
“Right now, more often than not, he’s the cause of them.“And that’s got to be a major concern for Ange Postecoglou ahead of his first trip to Ibrox.
“We keep hearing that reinforcements are coming before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.
“But Starfelt is one of those reinforcements. Celtic spent £4.5m to sign him from Rubin Kazan.
“That’s close to what they paid for Kyogo Furuhashi, who is tearing it up at the other end of the pitch.
“But the only thing Starfelt is tearing up right now is Postecoglou’s game plan.
“The Swede’s bizarre own goal against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night was just the latest example.
“He’s nervous; he doesn’t look comfortable on the ball, he doesn’t look athletic or quick.
“To be totally fair to him, I thought his performance in the second half on Thursday did improve.
“But he has made a few big mistakes in a very short space of time at Celtic. Now he’s preparing for his first Old Firm game with the eyes of the world upon him.”
In the first half on Thursday, the two goals which Celtic conceded are likely only to be seen in a Hoops European away day. At least, that’s what fans are beginning to believe.
Starfelt’s own goal was far from ideal, in a situation that should have been cleared and well under control.
So far, his performances for the club have looked shaky at times, but in recent games, he seems to have grown into proceedings, and I think that was shown again on Thursday night, where he improved his performance in the second 45 minutes.
Of course, we cannot afford to give players time to settle into a game. Especially in a derby fixture such as this weekend, where it will be full throttle from the first whistle to the last.
There is still some hope that the 26-year old can settle into life as a Celtic player. But ideally, we need to see it fast with the limited options we have at the back currently.
