CALLUM RETURN BIG FOR HOOPS
BILLY STARK expects Celtic to crank it up a gear when they get their big guns back and firing for the final Premiership title shoot-out.
Brendan Rodgers is hoping captain Callum McGregor and Reo
Hatate will be back after the international break and Cameron CarterVickers will be over his hamstring issues.
Stark knows their return should bolster the Hoops as they get ready to fight for league and Scottish Cup glory.
The former Celtic star said: “Hatate and McGregor certainly make a big difference to the middle of the park and that is no disrespect to the players who are playing in there just now.
“People expect teams to continue to function as normal, but when you lose key players it can be tough.
“You can go back to when (former manager) John Barnes lost Henrik Larsson, when he broke his leg. Celtic suffered after that and his loss was huge.
“When you lose key players you need to try and paper up the cracks.
“In Callum and
Hatate’s cases, that is what Celtic have been trying to do.
“CCV exudes authority and physicality and they have been a wee bit short on those fronts, but when all three are back then Celtic will be firing on all cylinders.”
Scotland’s Under-19 head coach admits the absence of captain McGregor has probably been the biggest loss.
Miss
“Callum is a big miss for Celtic, especially with the way Brendan wants to play,” added Stark.
“Callum is a controller in the midfield. He sets the tempo for the team and is a big player on and off the park.
“Celtic are missing him as a captain and because he is crucial to the way Celtic want to play.
“He is the model professional and his behaviour is exemplary on and off the pitch.” The one positive from McGregor and Hatate’s absence is it has given young Danny Kelly the chance to breakthrough in the Celtic midfield.
Stark believes the teenager is a real talent and will be better for topteam experiences.
Kelly is likely to remain in the Celtic squad for the weekend home clash with St Johnstone.
Rangers and Celtic have dropped points in recent weeks but, with two points separating the top two, it makes for an intriguing run-in.
Stark added: I don’t think anyone can confidently predict who is going to win the league.
“Celtic and Rangers have both reset, won their next games and find themselves in the semifinal of the Scottish Cup.
“That is what successful teams do.”