AFTER re-securing the back garden gate to a makeshift fencepost in the wake of Storm Isha, having picked through the wreckage of long-ago disregarded garden toys, I now peer between the cracks in the curtains in horror any time I hear the slightest whirl of wind.
For Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, the incessant transfer updates on Sky Sports News throughout January must be like watching endless weather forecasts predicting the next named front to come sweeping into town like a hurricane in rural Kansas.
Indeed, it’s a little-known fact that L Frank Baum – no, not the latest bespectacled German tactician in line to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager – had the January transfer window in mind when he penned his turn-of-the-century masterpiece The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Since Celtic’s very own Wizard of Oz, Ange Postecoglou, clambered into his hot-air balloon and set sail for London after clinching a treble in his second season in charge of the Parkhead club, there have been certain sections of the club’s support unwilling to let the big Australian go. With no apparent hint of irony, the return of former Anfield manager Rodgers, who similarly departed the club for the bright lights of the Premier League five years ago this month, was greeted with the kind of lukewarm welcome a winged monkey might expect to receive on returning to Winkie County.
Having won five trebles and a double in the last seven seasons in Scottish football, the commentary from certain sections of the Parkhead support and in some corners of the media has been confounding. Granted, relinquishing their grip on the Viaplay Cup at the first hurdle against Kilmarnock in August, another defeat in the Premiership to Derek McInnes’s side in December followed immediately by a 2-0 reverse to Hearts at Celtic Park were all hugely disappointing results. But, looking at the bigger picture – operating under a new broom amidst a raft of injuries in key areas while competing in the Champions League – Rodgers’ side are currently five points clear of their city rivals with only the league and Scottish Cup to concern them in the second half of the season.
The desire from supporters for quality signings to be added is a given at a club the size of Celtic. Rodgers himself has spoken of his desire in this regard. But, possibly with the exception of cover in the left-back area, what do Celtic lack, exactly? Heart? Courage? Brains?
On the first of these qualities, many point the finger at former England internationalist Joe Hart, as if his vintage of 36 years has somehow rusted his creaking joints like Baum's Tin Woodman. While the veteran goalkeeper may not be performing at the level he was when he was first choice at Manchester City and England (he would not be playing in the Scottish Premiership if that were the case) he hardly needs a can of oil by his side to get through the rigours of a top-flight encounter.
Rodgers spoke last week of how he combines the data analysis prominent in football recruitment in the modern game with the old-fashioned requirement to get his own eyes on a player in the flesh. Celtic comfortably won the Premiership title last season and conceded 34 times under Postecoglou in the course of 38 matches. After 23 games this term, Hart has only let in 15. Yes, you will see the odd hairy moment. Direct free-kicks, for example, have always been something of an Achilles’ heel for Hart (Leigh Griffiths, anyone?). Against Feyenoord, Hearts and Rangers this season this weakness has been exploited. But within a squad ostensibly built around a development model, having players with Hart’s experience is essential.
Hart’s most trusted lieutenant in front of him is Cameron Carter-Vickers. Is it courage Celtic apparently lack? Well, the gutsy American is the best defender in the division, and his signing of a four-year contract extension this week is as good a signing as any manager could hope to make during the window.
Brains? Further up the spine of the team is captain Callum McGregor. While it looks almost certain the midfield maestro will see out his best years with the club who gave him his senior debut, it is easy to underestimate what an asset his football intelligence is to the side. There is a reason he has been a mainstay at club and international level for every manager he has worked under during a glittering career, and again it is testament to Celtic’s hierarchy for ensuring his head would not be turned at any stage of his development.
Then there is Matt O’Riley. The Denmark internationalist has gone from strength to strength under Rodgers and his performances in the Champions League this term, with European opponents Ateltico Madrid so impressed they made a bid to prise Celtic’s top asset to the Spanish capital during the window, have demonstrated how high he can aim in his career.
Rodgers has been instrumental in O’Riley’s rise from hot prospect to Champions League player and full internationalist with Denmark. His ability was never in doubt, but the Northern Irishman has helped him to find the courage of his convictions in front of goal this season and he has taken his game to another level. Rodgers’ assertion that O’Riley would be staying put at Parkhead for the remainder of the season at least again should have offered a peek behind the curtain for supporters still dreaming of the magic-wand treatment from the club’s board.
Do Celtic lack heart? Brains? Courage? Rodgers, like all supporters, will always advocate for bringing in fresh talent. But supporters should be mindful of what they already have. Celtic will come out of this window five points clear at the top of the table, having won the first two Glasgow derbies, and they have kept their best players on the books. While speculative deals add intrigue to the second half of a campaign, sometimes what you appear to lack is there all along.
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