An impressive CV: new Celt has the credentials
Cameron Carter-vickers could be just the man Celtic have been looking for – but not in the way he changed their fortunes yesterday.
The on-loan Spurs defender got a goal that broke the deadlock against Ross County and put his new team on the way to a vital victory.
His long-range effort was a little fortunate but there was nothing lucky about his rocksolid showing in the Hoops’ rearguard.
He had as calm and assured a debut as you’ll ever see.
There were a few hearts in mouths when he went down asking for assistance 10 minutes from the end. It turned out he only needed a team-mate’s help to shake off a bit of cramp and that shows his lack of recent action.
He only featured once, in a Europa League Conference League match, for Spurs this term before moving north on loan.
He isn’t the biggest at just 6ft but he’s a powerfully built man and his calmness was especially impressive.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was delighted with his display and two goals from Albian Ajeti. He said: “Cameron looked really assured out there, which was great.
“We also gave a debut to Jota and he looked good in parts.
“It’s very easy to start chasing the goals but Ajeti maintained his discipline, hit the areas we wanted him to hit and he got his rewards.
“Cameron is still pretty young at 23 but he shows a maturity beyond his years.
“We overdid things towards the back end of the first-half, but I thought after half-time we got back to being disciplined.
“We knew at some point we’d be able to break them open and the pleasing thing was that we did that trying to play football.”
Postecoglou’s team was kept at bay by a resolute Ross County during the first 45 minutes. It was one-way traffic for most of the half, with Celtic enjoying 80% possession.
County only threatened with a couple of breakaways but their defence proved a tough nut to crack.
It would probably have been a more comfortable for those backing the Hoops if Liel Abada had taken one of three chances that came his way before the break.
The Israeli forced a good stop by Laidlaw early on, and hooked an effort against the crossbar and then hit the side-netting.
On-loan Benfica winger Jota had a lively start on his debut. He likes a step-over and was keen to try a shot but faded as the game went on.
Carter-vickers’ goal was of the type that can really demoralise the opposition.
His shot from outside the penalty area took a wicked deflection before it looped over Laidlaw and landed in the net.
Joe Hart’s worth to Celtic was clear when the
Englishman came up with an important save just after his side had gone ahead.
A raid down the left wing led to County’s Dominic Samuel having a header from close range that Hart was sharp to push away.
Any lingering nervousness in the home ranks was dispelled with the second goal.
Turnbull played a corner back to Abada and his cross was headed in by Ajeti at the far post.
The Swiss striker looked livelier than he often has. He has the demeanour of a player who might be rekindling his love for the game.
This was his first goal of the season and Celtic will hope it boosts his confidence.
That could be especially important for them with Kyogo Furuhashi facing a spell on the sidelines after being injured on international duty with Japan.
Ajeti hit the net a second time with five minutes remaining after James Mccarthy’s header fell nicely for him off the bar.
It was a straightforward finish but, like all good poachers, he had shown a desire to follow the ball and nod home.