SATURDAY’S 6-1 thrashing of Hibernian was a much-needed shot in the arm for Celtic. Ever since the Champions League campaign kicked off with a 3-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid, it’s fair to say life hasn’t exactly been plain sailing for the Premiership champions.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have competed well against their continental opponents for good spells so far this term but only have a solitary point to show for their efforts, while the team hasn’t been at its swashbuckling best in recent weeks on the home front either. The loss away to St Mirren was followed by a 2-1 win over Motherwell at Parkhead where Celtic laboured to get over the line, and the last-gasp victory at McDiarmid Park the following week wouldn’t have exactly made for comfortable viewing for supporters.
Injuries to important players haven’t exactly helped. In particular, the loss of Callum McGregor, the seemingly ever-present midfield fulcrum, cannot be understated and the 29-year-old’s absence necessitates a change in tack from Postecoglou. Quite simply, no one else can do what the Scotland internationalist can and any attempt to directly replace him is an act of folly. But that doesn’t mean there are no other solutions.
