Celtic urged to sign ‘big’ defender after what expert has seen
Celtic need to sign another centre-back before the transfer window closes next week.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie is worried about the club’s defence after Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki were ruled out for a lengthy spell with injuries.
The Celts were knocked out of the Viaplay Cup by fellow Premiership side Kilmarnock after falling to a 1-0 defeat in the round of 16 last weekend (20 August).
After losing Carl Starfelt to Celta Vigo earlier in the window, Brendan Rodgers has signed Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke with the latter sidelined for at least two months alongside defensive partner Carter-Vickers.
McAvennie insisted the loss to Kilmarnock was evidence that the Glasgow giants need another strong centre-back through the door before the end of the window.
“I thought we were a bit lightweight,” he told Football Insider.
“There were a few chances, any other day of the week and it could have been 5-1. They did not do a lot in the second half but they created a lot of chances.
“We have got so many injuries and it shows when Carter-Vickers is not there that we need another big centre-half.
“I thought Lagerbielke looked very comfortable and Nawrocki was alright but it needs to be one of them alongside Carter-Vickers will be a good partnership.
“When [Alistair] Johnston comes back things will improve as well.“
The Hoops welcome St Johnstone to Parkhead this weekend (26 August) before their big trip to Ibrox the following week (3 September).
In other news, winger wants to quit Celtic by next week after talks with club chiefs.