Celtic settled on Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt as their first choice defensive duo at the back last season but injuries to both and the signing of Moritz Jenz, on loan from Lorient, have caused a rethink and perhaps the need to strengthen the options further.
Ryan Porteous has been mentioned as a potential signing for Celtic in the future. He has done enough to be a key player in the Hibernian side and earned his full international call up as well, making an impressive debut in Scotland’s 0-0 draw against Ukraine in September.
With Porteous seen as a possible option for the Hoops, there were thoughts that today’s match against Celtic could be like an audition for the defender. A chance to perform and shine on the Parkhead stage.
Well, if this was indeed any form of audition for Porteous, it went as wrong as it possibly could have, as Hibernian conceded six goals.
Celtic-linked star had a horror show at Parkhead
It’s always hard for a defender to make a good impression when his team have lost 6-1. When they have been totally torn apart and are lucky it was only half a dozen conceded, then it’s not going to help his case at all.
But the spotlight can still be on a defender, doing his best and staying strong to keep the score down. Porteous though didn’t stand out at all today. Other than some fouls on players and yelling at Giorgos Giakoumakis on the ground, the Hibernian player went pretty much unnoticed.
If there were any successful auditions to get into the Celtic first-team on the day, they came from Hoops players staking their claim to a starting role in Postecoglou’s side. It was a superb performance all round from the Bhoys and one where Porteous didn’t sparkle at all.