Boss expects keeper Barkas to get better
Neil Lennon has laid down a challenge to Greek goalkeeper, Vasilis Barkas.
The former AEK Athens shot-stopper has yet to impress following his £5-million move to Scotland.
He lost his place to Scott Bain after nine matches, but now the former Dundee man is being heavily criticised for his showing in the 4-1 defeat away to Sparta Prague.
Lennon has some sympathy for Barkas. He knows it can’t be easy moving to a new country during a global pandemic.
Barkas might get a chance in today’s League Cup tie against Ross County, but his manager is looking for a longer-term return on the club’s investment.
He said: “Whether I bring him in or not is irrelevant.
“I want to see an improvement in his body language and his functionality as a goalkeeper.
“You have to look at the whole picture. He did OK, but I think he can do better, and I think he knows that.
“It’s been difficult for him, as it has been for all the new players coming in.
“He’s come from a different country, and a different climate and environment – and certainly a very restricted environment away from the training ground.
“Even at the training ground, there are restrictions in terms of the dressingrooms and being able to see each other.
“So it’s been difficult to get him involved and to really get to know each other because the way the world is split up.
“The only time you’re all together is for training, then you go home to an empty house and they can’t socialise together.
“I think he’s getting more accustomed to the tempo of the game, and the physicality and what’s required of him as a No.1.
“I see this game as a chance to maybe be making a few changes, but not too many.”
It’s going to have to be Barkas or Bain taking part in the revival that Lennon believes he can mastermind at Celtic, certainly in the short term.
Many supporters are willing the club to make another loanmove for Fraser Forster, who elected to return to Southampton in the summer rather than consider a fifth spell between the posts at Parkhead.
It seems the Saints would be willing to lend Lennon their second-choice keeper again, but his £90,000 a week wages are a major stumbling block.