Carl Starfelt has returned to the side this evening with Ange Postecoglou opting for his expereince ahead of Stephen Welsh to play beside Moritz Jenz at the Hoops rearguard. Starfelt was part of a formidable partnership at the back last season beside the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers as they kept the best defensive record in the cinch Premiership.
There is no denying it was this solid foundation along with Joe Hart in goals that allowed our more creative players like Abada and Kyogo to go and make things happen. Despite the plaudits our attacking displays merited it was always fortified by the men at the back.
It’s great to see Carl fit again and ready to go as I believe we have missed him terribly. His understated and highly effective and efficient style isn’t always appreciated but it is instantly recognisable when he is removed from the team. Simplicity can sometimes be a god-send in football and the Swedish international has it down to a tee.
Getting match time under his belt will hopefully see him kick on in this campaign before we have to stop for the World Cup in Qatar. We still have several fixtures to fulfil in the lead up to the cessation of domestic football and it would be nice to see our strongest central defensive pairing get a run out again.
Meanwhile, here is the full team for tonight:
📋 #CelticFC‘s @ChampionsLeague Team News 🟢
Here’s how the Celts line up for tonight’s #UCL fixture against Real Madrid ⤵️#RealMadridCeltic | #UCL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/Ue3nTDlEOx
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 2, 2022
Paul Gillespie
