By support

22nd Mar, 2018 | 4:14pm

Celtic need to begin preparations for life without defensive mainstay ahead of summer

COMMENT

The upcoming internationals reminds us that the World Cup is only three months away, and of the few Celtic players that will be at the event in Russia is Mikael Lustig.

Lustig’s involvement in Russia means that he is likely to miss out on at least some of the Champions League qualifiers that begin in July, and the Hoops should use the games to prepare for life without the 31-year-old.

Lustig has been a defensive mainstay of the Hoops for many years, and indeed, so far this season he has made 40 appearances for the Hoops, but he has struggled badly at times.

He didn’t cover himself in glory in either the Champions League or Europa League this season, and the team has played better when he isn’t in the team – the recent 3-2 win over Rangers for example.

Most significantly, Lustig’s contract is set to run out at the end of next season, and as it seems unlikely that he will be handed a new one, the Hoops may well look to cash in on him before the transfer window closes.

The Hoops have a ready-made replacement for Lustig in 19-year-old Anthony Ralston, or perhaps they may look to bring in another right-back in the transfer window.

Lustig has been a fine servant for the Hoops but his time at the club should be coming to an end, perhaps as early as the summer.

In other Celtic news, the Hoops are set to offer Ryan Christie a new contract

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