Unlikely Celtic starter might nail down his spot this week

Celtic’s defensive improvement in recent games might largely be down to the player and he can nail down a spot in the starting XI this week.

Celtic began the season as favourites to win the league for a 10th straight time. However, their title hopes are now on life support because of their horrid start. The Hoops currently trail THE Rangers by 16 points, although they do have three games in hand.

Neil Lennon’s side have conceded 14 goals in the league this season, but have recorded three consecutive clean sheets since introducing Conor Hazard into the team. Although even a month ago, he himself couldn’t have thought he would be the starting keeper at this point in the season.

It took a failed attempt to bring back Fraser Forster before Celtic settled for Greek international Vasilis Barkas, but his unimpressive performances had forced Scott Bain into action. Unfortunately, he was not better either. The third option was to turn to Hazard and he has been the best of the bunch.

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His big breakout moment came in the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts after what hadn’t been a great performance over the 120 minutes. He saved two penalties in the shootout to set up Kristoffer Ajer to smash in the game-winning penalty. Since that match he has been solid, as has his the defence ahead of him.

Their next two games will test the Northern Irish international, as the matchup against Dundee United on Wednesday will see them come up against one of the league’s leading scorers in Nicky Clark before the massive Glasgow Derby against the Rangers at the weekend. In a situation where the Hoops cannot afford to drop any points, Hazard and his defence has no room for error.

Higher the risk, higher the reward though. Two good performances and Hazard could nail down his spot in the team. And then, it is very possible that the Hoops won’t even go after a new keeper in January.