Now, before anyone jumps in, I’m not suggesting these guys should be sold or are on the verge of leaving, this is just my opinion on three players who have been flirting with first team football or in and around the first team that need to make this season count.
And I’ll tell you why. This season coming will be bigger than last season. Automatic entry into the Champions League means there will be plenty of scope for squad rotation which also means that those fringe players that haven’t seen a lot of game time may well find themselves in front of 60,000 fans at least twice a month.
Ange Postecoglou is clearly in the market for reinforcements this summer. Of that there is no doubt, but if these four players stepped up to the plate, could they really save Celtic millions in transfer fees AND their seasons?
All the transfer speculation has been surrounding the club looking for a left back, centre back, a winger and midfielder.
And here are the four players that, if they got their chance this season, could make a material difference to their careers at Paradise.
Mikey Johnstone
Mikey is said to be one of the most talented players at Celtic. Even when asked his opinion on the winger, Greg Taylor found it a difficult choice between the young Scotsman and Portuguese favourite, Jota. In an interview with Celtic TV, Taylor said, “Mikey? Jota? Between one of those two?
“I think Jota just edges it with Mikey not too far behind.”
So why are we not seeing it on the pitch?
I get Mikey has had his injury problems. I do, but after seven years at the club, the 23 year old should be a mainstay in the team by now shouldn’t he?
He has the skill and the flair. Maybe it’s just a confidence thing?
Since 2016, Mikey has only made 79 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals and creating 10.
For a player that promises so much, we would have hoped to have seen a better return and more appearances from him. He averages around 20-23 games per season and for context, Jota has managed 40 in his one loan spell at the club.
Mikey has all the potential to be a very good player for the club, maybe he just needs the confidence to match?
Scott Robertson
Scott Robertson is very highly rated at Celtic. And at 20 years old and with Celtic losing Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic in the same season, now is the perfect time for the youngster to make his mark in the side.
After a very successful loan spell at Crewe Alexander, an unfortunate injury cut short his spell at the English side and he now looks set to recover from that over the summer.
Having already had two loan spells in the EFL with Doncaster and Gillingham, surely now is the time for Robertson to show his promise and give Postecoglou a question to answer.
Robertson is raring to go this season [67 Hail Hail] and has spoken of his desire to get back into the frame at Celtic Park, “I had a couple of weeks off last month so I was able to get away with my pals and now I’ve completed the first full week and it’ll be all systems go from now until the start of pre-season so I’m in the best shape possible.”
Fingers crossed the young man makes his mark in pre season and claims a midfield space in time for the kick off.
Adam Montgomery
Contracted to Celtic until 2024 and at just 19 years of age, I suppose having to save his season is a bit of a stretch, but Celtic have been needing left back cover all season and Montgomery still couldn’t force his way onto the bench.
Instead, he was loaned to Aberdeen where he made just eight appearances before injury cut short his season.
Montgomery did get a few run outs at the the start of the season and, to be fair, he did ok but let’s be honest, he was chosen more out of necessity than anything else.
Montgomery is a talented youngster and age should be no barrier to determining whether or not you can make it at Celtic, just ask Kieran Tierney.
Now I know KT was something special and I am not comparing them both, that would be stupid, but young Montgomery should be using that as inspiration to try and push himself on.
The position is there. Cover is required. Montgomery just needs to show that he is capable to provide that cover and maybe, just maybe, he could challenge Greg Taylor for that full back position.
Stephen Welsh
Young Welsh is already a Scottish Champion and a League Cup winner. He already has a taste for it. But with competition at centre back fierce at the moment, does Welsh have the ability to split the partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, should the big American decide to stay in Glasgow?
Welsh still made 24 appearances last season for the Hoops and was given a contract extension in 2021 that lasts four years so he is clearly rated, and most importantly wanted, by Ange Postecoglou.
But what’s it to be this season? Continue as cover in the centre back role or try and vie for the jersey?
He will have a job on his hands as at 22 years old, Welsh should now be looking to stamp his authority all over the Celtic first team.
He is still a bit rough around the edges but there clearly is a defender in there.
Can he step up this season and show he is Celtic class? I certainly hope so.
What players? You haven’t named any!
Wtf! Where’s the rest of the article?
Glad to see the rest. Thanks!!
That’s it fixed
Mikey’s needs to become a team player. He too often gets into a psychological zone where he tries to do it all himself in games. The best players in the clubs history(even now) were selfless, always looking for a teammate in the better position. If he can add that composure to his game, he’ll do well.
Scott Robertson, I’ve not seen much of; a little raw, as to be expected from a player so young, but i was impressed with him nonetheless…just needs to keep working hard and polishing his game.
Adam Montgomery, i couldn’t comment on.
Stephen Welsh, all the pieces are there for the making of a solid Centre Back, just doesn’t always bring them all to the game when played; needs better concentration in matches, and he could do with bulking up a bit(though thats less important). I’ve liked the player since before he got his first team debut, and he’s been steadily improving his game since then, but he’s maybe not quite there yet where he could realistically command a first team spot?