Celtic are a “different force” with Cameron Carter-Vickers on the pitch at Parkhead, as journalist Dean Jones provides GIVEMESPORT with an internal verdict on his importance to the side.
Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers has made a positive start to life on his return to Celtic Park this season.
Carter-Vickers made an immediate impression when he joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2021. He was instrumental in the Hoops reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title from arch-rivals Rangers, who triumphed during the 2020/21 season under the management of Steven Gerrard.
Carter-Vickers was a regular for Ange Postecoglou’s side in his debut campaign at Parkhead, adapting to the rigours of Scottish football seamlessly on his move from north London. His impressive performances encouraged the Australian head coach to make a play for his services permanently, acquiring his signature for £6m on a four-year deal.
Carter-Vickers once again plied his trade at the heart of Postecoglou’s defence, helping the Hoops win a domestic treble of Premiership, Scottish Cup and Viaplay Cup titles. The Hoops were dealt a blow when Postecoglou moved south of the border to take on the Tottenham job this season.
But Carter-Vickers remains an essential player under Rodgers as the Bhoys race seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table in the season’s early stages. However, injury issues have derailed his campaign, forced off in Celtic’s victory over Aberdeen in August. But a return to action in last week’s Champions League clash with Lazio signals his reinstatement to Rodgers’ side, who hopes he can remain fit for the upcoming domestic and continental fixtures.
The Northern Irish head coach has a conundrum across the international break as he decides who partners the United States star at the heart of defence on his return. Republic of Ireland international Liam Scales could become Carter-Vickers’ right-hand man in the backline, whilst Nat Phillips, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki all have the potential to partner the 25-year-old.
Ex-Celtic man Mortiz Jenz has recently praised the Hoops stalwart, describing him as a rock or a fridge. He told The Scottish Sun:
Jenz’s praise shows that Carter-Vickers is highly regarded amongst his teammates, with Rodgers keen for the centre-back to return from international duty unscathed.
Jones believes that Carter-Vickers is “the guy you want at the heart of defence.” The journalist has also backed Scales to partner the returning defender in the Hoops’ upcoming games. He told GIVEMESPORT:
Carter-Vickers is not the only player who is a massive part of Rodgers’ system. Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that midfielder Matt O’Riley loves life at Parkhead. The midfielder has recently penned a new four-year contract at Celtic Park, despite interest from clubs south of the border during the recent summer transfer window.
