You see, this is what annoys me about the Scottish media in football.
There are no second chances.
I have only witnessed one player that I can remember that after being written off by the media, has come back and proved them wrong.
Anthony Ralston. Some Celtic fans out there may think of others, but none come to my mind as much as Ralston and the form he has shown this season, especially after what we witnessed from him over the last few.
But another player that seems to be getting seriously harsh criticism from the pundits and media, is Carl Starfelt.
The big Swede has come in for some horrendous coverage since his move from Rubin Kazan but after a shaky start to his Celtic career he, before his injury, had found some solid form and was part of a run of results that saw the Hoops go seven matches unbeaten and conceding only two during the month of October.
The 26 year old had another solid game last night and almost found himself on the scoresheet but it didn’t stop Tom English criticising him after a good display against Hibs last night.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, English, when asked if he thought Starfelt is good enough for Celtic, said. “Well, from what I’ve seen at the moment I would say no.
“I think there’s too many mistakes. No look, he might well improve. So I’m not completely writing him off. Absolutely.
“But I think Carter Vickers is a very, very good player that if they could tie him down, that would be a good bit of business.
“Yeah, I would actually [pay £6m for Carter Vickers].
“In fact from what I’ve seen so far, Carter Vickers and Julien or Carter Vickers and Welsh ahead of Starfelt.
“I think Welsh is a better defender than Starfelt.”
This criticism of the Swedish internationalist smacks of nothing more than a witch hunt.
I’ve written on here many times about former Celt Davie Provan’s constant harping on about Starfelt on The Go Radio Football Show.
He does it so much you would think he has a personal vendetta against him.
Just remember, English is the same journalist that brought you these crackers:
Plenty will disagree with me, but Virgil van Dijk is vastly over-rated. A nice footballer, but too often gets found out by decent strikers
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) August 7, 2014
Tyrone Mings, £8m to Bournemouth. James Chester, £8m to West Brom. No wonder Celtic think they can get £10-12m for Virgil van Dijk
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) August 3, 2015
Yeah. I know.
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Has English ever played football if not his opinion about someone that does at a high level should not comment.