So just where have Lennon’s league winners disappeared to over the past six months?
Celtic’s form slump has caused manager Neil Lennon to question plaintively where the players who had team “flying” before the start of last year’s lockdown had gone.
After losing at home to Rangers, his side won nine of their last 10 league matches – and were 13 points clear at top of the table – when the action was frozen.
Their last game – in what the SPFL deemed was a nine-in-a-row season – was a 5-0 win against St Mirren at Celtic Park on March 7.
The following players were Lennon’s starting XI, and a quick run through might help answer the manager’s question for now – and the future.
FRASER FORSTER
– The one that got away.
A star turn in the capture of the ninth successive title while on loan from Southampton, Lennon attempted to bring the giant Englishman (inset) back for a third spell, but was rebuffed.
And if Forster’s subsequent failure to win his way into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team was not painful enough, the failure of his replacement, Vasilis Barkas, to come anywhere close to justifying his £5-million fee has rubbed salt into the wound.
CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN – Out with a nasty knee after his unfortunate collision with a goalpost, Jullien has been a frustrating player to follow this season.
At times impressive, he has also struggled for consistency – some of which he attributed to a persistent back issue.
NIR BITTON – A converted midfielder serving more often than not as a central defender, the Israeli international is not the worst offender. But he has to share some responsibility for the Hoops defensive calamities.
Under contract until 2023, and now in his eighth year with the club, he looks likely to stay put.
KRISTOFFER AJER – The Norwegian’s display in the 2-2 draw at Livingston summed his season up. Impressive shuttling up and down the flank at right-back, he was nevertheless at fault for giving Ciaron Brown a free header for Livi’s opener.
His age, physique and experience will all continue to make him attractive to would-be buyers, though, and he looks likely to move on.
JAMES FORREST – The scorer of 16 goals before last season was cut short, the Scotland winger has been badly missed in this campaign.
Ankle problems have kept him out since September, with surgery required on a stress fracture.
SCOTT BROWN – Whoever is Celtic manager at the start of next season is liable to view the club captain as a valuable squad player, rather than a likely starter.
The emergence of Ismaila Soro has been one of the few shining lights and, for the 35-year-old skipper, a reminder that time and tide wait for no man.
CALLUM MCGREGOR – If Soro is Brown’s natural replacement for the jersey, Mcgregor is the one who will take over the skipper’s armband, and would be an obvious starting point in any future re-build.
GREG TAYLOR – In a season where there have been no shortage of deserving targets for criticism, the 23-year-old Scot has attracted sympathy for losing his spot to, first, the disgraced Boli Bolingoli, and then Diego Laxalt, a loan player from Milan.
He can re-establish himself.
TOM ROGIC – One of the most-gifted players at the club, the Australian has come up short too many times.
It would not be a surprise if he were he to be moved on along with Ryan Christie, who himself will not be short of offers and might fancy the English Premier League.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS – Scorer of a hattrick in the 5-0 win, the striker continues to survive and thrive in this most competitive of environments, due to his ability to hit the back of the net.
He is likely to still be involved, come what may.
ODSONNE EDOUARD – Even allowing for the fact he contracted Covid-19, the French striker has been a huge let-down this season.
The biggest talent in the Premiership, at times he has looked anything but.
A marketable asset with a value between £15-20m, he will surely leave – whether in this window or the next.