Many Celtic fans are worried about the defensive partnership of Jozo Simunovic and Jack Hendry ahead of Tuesday’s clash with AEK Athens, after watching them in action against Hearts at Tynecastle.
With suspension ruling Kristoffer Ajer out of the trip to Greece and Dedryck Boyata not playing due to a transfer dispute, the likely centre-back pairing in the UEFA Champions League qualifying tie will be the same one that started on Saturday.
After conceding a cheap goal, scrutiny again fell on the Hoops defence.
It was Simunovic who initially gave up possession with a poor pass into midfield. Kieran Tierney and Jack Hendry then failed to deal with Uche Ikpeazu, the player who crossed for Kyle Lafferty to smash home for the 1-0 win.
The Hoops are likely to be put under even more pressure in Greece, so both defenders will have to raise their game massively to keep the clean sheet we may require to go through to the play-off round.
These supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the pairing after the Hearts clash…
Have Celtic ever had a worse CB pairing since 2000? Hendry is never up to it and Simunovic has went 10 steps backwards.
— Sean Cannon (@SeanCannon90) August 11, 2018
Simunovic and Hendry aren’t going to cut it as Celtic players . Liked the look of Hendry at times but he’s out his depth . Can’t be just blaming those two today whole team were shocking we offered nothing going forward either
— Luke Mohan (@LukeMohan1) August 11, 2018
Most important match of the season so far on Wednesday and we’re going into it with a centre back pairing of simunovic and jack fucking hendry ????
— Stephen Stewart (@Stephen_678898) August 11, 2018
Hendry and Simunovic really aren’t the answer at centre back.
Doesn’t help that Boyata is lying about an injury either.— Bhean (@_Bheanian_) August 11, 2018
Shocking performance today particularly Jack Hendry and jozo simunovic for me. Personally don't think Ajer, Hendry or simunovic are good enough if we want to do anything in Europe.
Well stroll the league. But need investment for europe
— Paddy McKenna (@PaddyMckenna88) August 11, 2018
Teams must be rubbing their hands at the thought of playing against Simunovic and Hendry. Gantin.
— 21.05.16 Gramo (@Gramo1875) August 11, 2018
We’ll win absolutely fuck all if we think Hendry and Simunovic are good enough.
Absolutely bullied today from start to finish. Terrible, terrible football players.
— Sean Cannon (@SeanCannon90) August 11, 2018
Simunovic, Hendry, Kouassi, …. regardless of how this game turns out i just dont think there good enough for celtic ????
— Fergal McNerney ???????????? (@fergalmcnerney) August 11, 2018
Do you think Jack Hendry and Jozo Simunovic will be good enough to cope with AEK Athens on Tuesday? Let us know in the comments…