Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has divided opinion among fans this season, and that debate spilled over on the latest episode of the Open Goal podcast as Paul Slane clashed with Si Ferry and Andy Halliday over the Belgian’s performances.

Slane has consistently been one of Engels’ biggest supporters and again highlighted the player’s contribution during Celtic’s weekend win over Hibernian. The former Celtic youngster was quick to praise Engels for what he sees as a highly impressive debut campaign for a 21-year-old.

However, Ferry and Halliday weren’t having it. As Slane made his case for Engels’ overall numbers, Si Ferry interrupted with a typically blunt assessment: “Corners, free kicks, penalties…” implying that Engels’ goal and assist numbers have been padded by set pieces.

Slane wasn’t about to let that go and came back sharply with a point that silenced the pair. “But yous praised Tavernier for years for doing that!” Slane snapped back, pointing out how James Tavernier has long been celebrated for his goal and assist output at Rangers, much of which also comes from set-pieces.

The quick retort left Ferry briefly on the back foot, though he did add: “I want to see more from him.” It summed up much of the wider Celtic fanbase’s mixed feelings on Engels. His set-piece delivery has been a valuable weapon this season, yet questions remain over his all-round influence in open play.

While the debate rages on, the stats speak in Engels’ favour. For a player still just 21 and in his first season at Celtic, his goal contribution numbers remain strong. Whether that’s enough to fully convince the critics inside and outside the dressing room will likely be decided by what comes next, with a Scottish Cup Final on the horizon and a big pre-season to come.