7 Celtic stars who need to step up for nine-in-a-row

Celtic are nearing a return to action after a couple of weeks in Dubai. Here are seven players that will need to step up in order to find success in the second half. rnCeltic's first half of the season was characterized by great play from new Bhoys, and those that were unexpected to contribute the way they had. The Hoops experienced a myriad of injuries that caused players to have to step up and make a difference.rnrnIf the Hoops wish to hold of the streaking Rangers, these seven current Celtic players will need to step up and help their club in the second half.rn Ryan Christie rnChristie played nearly every match in the first half, and got off to a hot start. In 33 appearances this season, the midfielder 17 goals and tacked on another 13 assists. However, most of that was near the beginning of the season, and much of it was in domestic play. Christie will be facing a ridiculous three-game ban upon returning to the second half due to an altercation with Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos .rnrnIf the Hoops hope to make a run in Europe, and stave off Rangers, Christie will need to step up and find his form that he featured in the early goings of the first half of the season.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Hatem%20Abd%20Elhamed" /]rnrn rn Hatem Abd Elhamed rn[caption id="attachment_4739" align="alignnone" width="3200"] Hatem Abd Elhamed (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrnThe Israeli defender was brought in during the most recent transfer window. Hatem Abd Elhamed instantly solidified the right-back position, but his injury-prone ways have now become a hindrance to the club. Recently, he experienced a setback with an injury that he incurred in early November during the match with Lazio.rnrnFor the Hoops to find success in the second half, all of their players will need to be firing on all cylinders. With the fast break style of play Celtic like to employ, their backline has to be prepared to defend any quick counter-attacks. Hatem Abd Elhamed makes that possible, but only if he is on the field. Something he has not proven he can do during his time with the Hoops.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Boli%20Bolingoli-Mbombo" /]rnrn rn Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo rn[caption id="attachment_3479" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Boli Bolingoli (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrnIn the same vein as Hatem Abd Elhamed, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo will need to find the next gear in helping the defensive backline. It does not appear that the Hoops are going to make any significant upgrades to their defence this transfer window. As such, one of their weaker units will have to step up and perform better.rnrnBolingoli has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also shown that he has flaws in his play. If Celtic can extract his best play for the majority of the second half of the season, it will completely reshape the look of the defence. Bolingoli has it in him to be that type of player, now he has to execute.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Mikey%20Johnston" /]rnrn rnrn rn Mikey Johnston rn[caption id="attachment_3510" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Mikey Johnston (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrnEver since Mohamed Elyounoussi found his first start for the Hoops, Mikey Johnston has been playing second fiddle to the Norwegian. However, Mohamed Elyounoussi has had some injury troubles, much like the rest of the club, and help in the midfield in needed.rnrnMikey Johnston could have reclaimed he starting spot with Elyounoussi's absence, but he too has fought the injury bug. The wingers and midfield are due for a major overhaul, but with the Hoops reluctance to add any type of quality talent this transfer window, the club will depend on the current talent to step up. Johnston has the qualities needed to be successful in this league, now he must prove he belongs as a starter. The second half is a great time to start that endeavour.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Kristoffer%20Ajer" /]rnrn rn Kristoffer Ajer rn[caption id="attachment_3784" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Kristoffer Ajer(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrnKristoffer Ajer is another example of a player who started the season with a blistering pace, but has cooled off in recent weeks. The Norwegian centre-back has become somewhat of a liability, and it has become painfully noticeable when seen playing opposite of Christopher Jullien.rnrnKristoffer Ajer has the talent and capability of being not only one of the best defenders on the club, but one of the best players on the club, period. Celtic's backline has been an absolute liability, and as mentioned previously, help does not appear to be on the way, at least during this transfer window. Ajer will need to insert himself in a more prominent role, and show more confidence in his play. He has looked pedestrian recently, and a return to form and confidence would provide a huge boost to the defence.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Leigh%20Griffiths" /]rnrn rn Leigh Griffiths rn[caption id="attachment_3786" align="alignnone" width="3200"] Leigh Griffiths(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrnThe fan favourite striker has done little this season to show or prove why he deserves a spot on the first team. However, the fans and the club know exactly what he is capable of, and that is what the team will need going forward. Last season, Leigh Griffiths was able to find 20 appearances and found the back of the net eight times. That type of production could seriously help the Hoops down the stretch.rnrnAt one point in the first half of the season, all three strikers in Odsonne Edouard , Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Leigh Griffiths were all out with injury. An in-form Leigh Griffiths could provide an answer at the position, especially in regards to providing cover for Odsonne Edouard. Griffiths very well could be the key to the second half.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Marian%20Shved" /]rnrn rn Marian Shved rnMarian Shved? The Ukrainian was brought in from Karpaty Lviv, and since his arrival has been severely underutilized. Even with backup wingers and midfielders consistently playing, Marian Shved has not been able to find the field. When he has seen the pitch, the winger has been electric.rnrnIf the Hoops decide not to bring in any type of significant help to solidify the midfield, then Marian Shved could and should see extra playing time in the second half. With a clear need for a spice up in the midfield, it cannot hurt to allow Marian Shved the opportunity to take the pitch in a starter's role. With clubs like Partick Thistle on the docket, and key stars injured, now is the time to see what the Ukrainian Marian Shved is capable of offering to the first team.rnrn rnrn[story_link_next description="Celtic%20transfer%20target%20sends%20warning%20to%20interested%20clubs" url="https://thecelticbhoys.com/2020/01/11/celtic-transfer-target-sends-warning/" /]

The Celtic Bhoys

7 Celtic stars who need to step up for nine-in-a-row

Hatem Abd Elhamed

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