Chris Sutton gave his insight into the recent Celtic signing of Oliver Abildgaard, and the role he will have to play in the injured-stricken Celtic side.
On Wednesday night, Celtic played their third match of Group F against RB Leipzig, where the Hoops suffered a 3-1 defeat. Towards the later stages of the first half, Celtic captain Callum McGregor picked up an injury which led to the introduction of Oliver Abildgaard.
Prior to his this match against Leipzig, Abilldgaard had only played a minute for the Celtic, in the closing moments of the 2-1 win over Motherwell at the weekend. Abilldgaard looked slightly off the pace of in this the match, which was completely understandable due to his lack of recent game time. It was certainly unfortunate timing for Abildgaard to be thrown into such an important match in the Champions League with little game-time preparation.
However, his performance highlighted the key issue that faces Abildgaard in the Celtic squad. Chris Sutton discussed it on BT Sport and the former Celtic striker said: “The issue that Abildgaard has in that position is that he needs to make sure he gets on the ball,” said Sutton. “That’s the job Callum McGregor does, that quickness of passing. I don’t think anybody can quite do it like McGregor, but that’s his job in that role.”
With Callum McGregor already suspended for tomorrow lunchtime’s trip to Perth tomorrow after receiving a red card against Motherwell, it always looked like Abildgaard would be given his opportunity at McDiarmid Park against St Johnstone. This match will give Ange Postecoglou an opportunity to consider his options for the Calmac replacement as the Celtic number 6 , for the forthcoming matches that presumably the captain will have to sit out.
Yesterday Callum McGregor was sent for a scan on his knee and Ange Postecoglou will be awaiting the results of that anxiously, just like the rest of us. In the meantime hopefully Oliver Abildgaard can get up to speed starting tomorrow in Perth.
Morning Gossip: No official word yet on extent of injury or length of time our leader Callum McGregor could be out for. Speculation on who could replace him on Saturday against St Johnstone. With Mooy struggling with an injury Oliver Abildgaard seems the logical choice. HH pic.twitter.com/XLKfsydfNo
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) October 7, 2022
