Former Celtic defender pinpoints lack of quality, could be fatal to title hopes

Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs has suggested that the club’s inactivity in the transfer window could be fatal to their title aspirations. Stubbs, who managed Hibs to Scottish Cup success in 2015, commented on the situation at Celtic Park following the 1-1 draw to Kilmarnock at the weekend.

Speaking to PLZ Soccer, the former Everton stopper said that Brendan Rodgers’ options off the bench highlight the lack of quality in the squad.

“You only have to look at Celtic’s bench from Saturday; Oh, Kuhn, Bernardo, Bernebei, Hyun…that is what I am talking about the strength in depth. I am not sure that they are going to take Celtic to the next level.

“I think this is the reason why this could bite Celtic on the backside in terms of their recruitment policy over the last 18 months, since Ange left, really. He had really good success with some but I think they have gone to the Asian market too much. You only have to look at three or four of them that have just now worked at all.”

Celtic have looked lacking in quality this season, especially with injuries to key players like Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers. Although, the departures of Carl Starfelt, Aaron Mooy and Jota did not result in quality replacements, resulting in the drop off of displays. Liel Abada, who has been worth around 10 goals and 10 assists a season since arriving in Ange’s first season was injured and is now sidelined for personal reasons.

When Rodgers arrived, he spoke about the club going to the next level and bringing in quality. The theory was that the Irishman was given assurances that there would be backing to facilitate progress in Europe. Nine months later, Celtic appear to have regressed and an influx of quality is required in the summer. For now, however, the manager must effectively manage the squad at his disposal and improve results on the pitch.