Celtic youngster deserves chance after injury blow

The left-back position isn’t one that Celtic took major steps in strengthening over the summer transfer window. Thus, any long-term injury could leave the club short of options there although there does appear to be more options in the position now than at the start of the season.

Greg Taylor had to be substituted off on Saturday after it appeared that he had injured his shoulder again. This is a worry, especially with a huge Europa League game coming up on Thursday night.

Many fans felt that Celtic should have strengthened at left-back in the summer itself with Taylor not quite managing to nail down his spot in the team over his time at Parkhead. But with gaps across the squad, it wasn’t as much of a priority as some other positions in the recently concluded transfer window.

If Taylor does end up missing the upcoming game against Real Betis, Ange Postecoglou does have a few options to pick from. New right-back signing Josip Juranovic made his debut at left-back at Ibrox against the Rangers. Not ideal but he can clearly provide some cover there. Liam Scales, who was recently signed from Shamrock Rovers, could be a contender for the left-back spot as well. But it is Adam Montgomery, who might deserve a chance there.

Montgomery has impressed for Celtic recently

Montgomery has been starting to break through into the first-team and has been making a very positive impression so far. He’s been called into matches when Taylor has had to go off and to be honest, he has looked very good whenever given the chance.

Based on his performances, he does deserve a chance to start. Still just 19 years of age, it might be a big ask of him to come in against a team like Real Betis though.

Thus, it will be interesting to see who Postecoglou decides to go with in the Europa League game. It is very possible that he could choose someone with more experience because of the occasion but moving forward, Montgomery has certainly done enough to get more minutes on the pitch.