3 major problems that Celtic must solve next season

There is some encouragement to be drawn for Celtic from the last two matches against Kilmarnock and Motherwell. There is also plenty to be concerned about as well though.

At times we can see evidence of a return to form across the midfield and attack, but as Saturday’s match against Motherwell showed, a dominant performance can easily be undone at the back.

Errors, slip ups, lack of confidence, all contribute to a shaky defence which struggles when placed under any pressure. And where a free kick or corner allowing the opposition to get the ball into the penalty area is enough to cause concern and panic.

There was plenty of criticism of Scott Bain being beaten by Campbell’s shot yesterday. It may have been poor keeping or it may have been the result of a late deflection beating him, but either way the goalkeeping position at Celtic remains a concern.

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Conor Hazard went from 3rd choice to being the regular between the sticks and then back down the ladder very quickly. Vasilis Barkas was restored by Lennon as his first choice keeper for just a game or two before being dropped and replaced by Bain.

All of which leaves goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods likely to be a very busy man working with those players. And the rest of us wondering what selection criteria for the next game. It also highlights a key position needing strengthening in the upcoming summer overhaul which is expected to take place.

That’s one of the many defensive dilemmas and gaps in cover for Lennon and the fans to ponder over. Across the back four there are similar problems with form and available cover.

Stability at centre-back

On paper Celtic should be in a decent place defensively. Christopher Jullien and Kris Ajer had good seasons last year. Shane Duffy signed on loan from the Premier League with Stephen Welsh, Nir Bitton and the outgoing Hatem Abd Elhamed all providing cover options.

Of course, it’s not worked out that way as injuries, departures and Duffy’s loss of form have slashed the available options dramatically. The centre-back position is critical to the team and the defensive frailties seen there have hit hard across the whole defence in terms of confidence. Celtic’s brief run of form pre-Christmas coincided with the return of Jullien from a previous injury.

Duffy remains available but he needs rest and time to repair what looks like a totally shattered personal confidence on the pitch. Ajer is the best centre-back available at the club and must be used there instead of at right-back.

Stability and building a pairing seems sensible and Welsh has started to settle into the role. He and Ajer probably provide the best and strongest option for now and should play together to build that partnership. Bitton’s injury may be short-term and he’ll be available again soon, but he should be used as cover rather than being first choice. He may have a part to play if Lennon reverts to a 3 at the back formation.

There is probably just enough to get through the current season and hope injuries and form don’t affect the ability to play a regular pairing. It’s a risk though and Lennon will need to make sure care is taken of the still young and learning Welsh.

Looking ahead, there will be a huge hole in the defensive options. Duffy is on a loan that feels unlikely to be extended and we might see Ajer moving on at the end of the season. Even taking into account Jullien’s return and hoping for Welsh to develop further, it would need another good player to join to bolster the back.