The uncertain defence, a look at our defenders who might not be here for 8IAR

YESTERDAY we looked through the ever increasing list of Celtic players who are definitely staying at Celtic for next season and longer as the players themselves start to openly talk about being here for Ten in a Row. You can catch up on this article HERE.

So let us now look at the players – starting with defenders – whose Celtic career could come to a close in the summer and consider the chances of that happening or them staying on at the club as we set our collective sights on that historic landmark.

DORUS DE VRIES

Dorus de Vries has had an unhappy time at Celtic on the park. He displaced Craig Gordon early on in Brendan Rodgers’ first season after the new boss was less than impressed with the Scotland keeper’s distribution, especially from his feet. The Dutchman arrived at Celtic as Nottingham Forest’s player of the year but he had a nightmare up at Inverness and conceded against Kilmarnock at Celtic from a shot from just in front of the Celtic bench – he was substituted at half time and Gordon was back to stay.

An injury though in January against Hibs looked like ending Gordon’s season and Dorus was back in the team. Having signed a contract extension, he seemed content to to be stand by keeper and would be ready when called upon.

He flopped on the Europa League Stage, losing 3 in St Petersburg – he had also lost 7 in Barcelona in his other European away day for Celtic – and he wasn’t in the team by the time Celtic walked onto the pitch on that Beautiful Sunday.

Brendan stated after that Killie game the previous year that there had been a slight injury. No one was rude enough to challenge the white little lie and Scott Bain’s selection for Ibrox could be filed in the same way.

The loan keeper is included on our definites list so that would leave Dorus looking at being the third choice keeper. He had an option to go back to England last summer and if that type of offer comes along again this summer then Dorus is likely to be away.

CRISTIAN GAMBOA

Cristian Gamboa remains a bit player for Celtic and during the international break spoke of hiring a personal trainer to help him be ready for tis summer’s World Cup in Russia. Tellingly when Brendan Rodgers has had to re-shuffle the defence – for instance after Mikael Lustig was sent off at Aberdeen and then suspended – Gamboa did not get the nod. It’s unlikely that he’s going to break into the team anytime soon and may be looking at a move in the summer.

JOZO SIMUNOVIC

Jozo Simunovic has almost been away a few times. He was almost sold before Brendan had a look at him properly but a failed medical in Italy meant that he was back at Paradise. He released a long, emotional statement on social media after that committing himself to the cause and that certainly did the trick. He has been a popular player – helped of course by THAT tackle on Kenny Miller at Ibrox in the 5-1 game.

Yet in the midst of Champions League qualification last summer, there were strong rumours that he was pushing for a move to Burnley, of all places. His knees would need to be up for passing a medical but if that happens he could take his chance to play in England.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Dedryck Boyata will be entering his final year of his contract and has stated that he is in no hurry to commit himself to a new contract. He certainly divides opinion among the support. He was out of the side for a long period and was re-introduced at Albion Rovers in the Scottish Cup match at Airdrie in the Invincible season. He had a splendid four months and helped the team complete the treble.

He has been less convincing this term and his recent mare at Ibrox was only mitigated by events at the other end of the field. His agent will be working furiously to see what’s on offer and if he can come up with an offer from England then you would imagine that the player will be saying his goodbyes.

CALVIN MILLER

Calvin Miller was the subject of a loan enquiry from St Johnstone in the last window but Brendan Rodgers wanted to have him available. He got a game in the early rounds of the cup but didn’t do enough in his new position as the KT understudy at left back. However in recent games, with Tierney sidelined with a muscles complaint, Brendan has instead opted to select Callum McGregor at left back. That would suggest that Calvin Miller may well be sent out on loan next season.

MARVIN COMPPER

Marvin Compper was an early signing in the last transfer window but got injured over in Dubai at the winter training camp. He eventually made his debut in the Scottish Cup against Morton but hasn’t been seen since and if the gossip is to believed then the German is not setting the heather on fire with his performances out at Lennoxtown.

Who scouted him?

Tomorrow we’ll have a look at the midfield and forwards.

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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