Celtic currently sit at the top of the SPFL table with 76 points on the board having won 24 of their 31 league games.
Another impressive feature of the Parkhead club’s latest campaign is their defensive record, having conceded just 18 goals, fewer than any other side in the top flight.
One figure that has contributed a lot to Celtic’s strength at the back is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who joined the Hoops on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the previous summer transfer window.
Having racked up a higher average of clearances per game (4.2) than any other Celtic player in the SPFL this season, as well as 1.2 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 0.4 blocks as well as winning 68% of all the duels he’s been involved in, this highlights how much of a defensive unit he’s been for Ange Postecoglou and his side.
Despite how good he’s been for the team, the American international is only there on loan and therefore may not be there next season, especially if Spurs think he’s done enough at Celtic to then become a regular squad figure for them under Antonio Conte.
With that in mind, the Hoops may have a problem finding a suitable replacement for the 24-year-old if that were to happen.
However, the Bhoys may already have a solution to that issue and an ideal replacement in their ranks that Postecoglou could turn to if needed.
As a product of Celtic’s youth academy, 18-year-old Dane Murray has made two senior appearances for the Hoops which came during their two second-round Champions League qualifying matches against FC Midtjylland.
His performance then was described as “remarkable” by his coach at U10s level, Martin Miller.
This shows that Postecoglou has shown his faith in the young defender by playing him in those matches although he hasn’t featured in the SPFL for them or even been involved in a matchday squad on one occasion.
Labelled as a “complete leader” by Miller, as well as being “a tough character,” he certainly sounds like Carter-Vickers. Indeed, next season could be the teenager’s breakout campaign at Celtic Park if his elder teammate exits, thus paving the way for the teenager to work his way into the squad if he’s given the chance by Postecoglou to do so.
Depending on the likelihood that their loanee won’t be there beyond his temporary deal, it could be worth the 56-year-old allowing Murray to get some minutes under his belt every now and again to get him close to being ready for action on a more consistent basis next year.
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