John Hartson tips in-form Celtic player to be dropped

Celtic made a questionable start to the season and many fans were left worried after their loss at the hands of Kilmarnock and then a goalless draw against a struggling St Johnstone side. Brendan Rodgers’ team appeared sluggish, uninspired and out of ideas. Yet, they turned up when it mattered the most, getting a win away at Ibrox against the Rangers.

The result has lifted the mood around Parkhead significantly. The worry has now turned into hope for what is to come this season.

Their next game is against Dundee FC, one that Celtic must win in order to build up some positive momentum after that win at Ibrox. Perhaps the best performer on that day was Liam Scales.

Yet, John Hartson appears to believe that he could be dropped in favour of Nat Phillips, who has been brought in on loan from Liverpool for just the first half of the season. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the Celtic hero told Go Radio:

"“I think Phillips will come in.“I think he plays alongside Lagerbielke. Although, I was really impressed with Liam Scales against Rangers.“I just think, you are paying a lot of money for Phillips. He was down at Liverpool, he is on-loan, get him into the team if he’s fit.“He would have had a couple of weeks of training. He may well go Lagerbielke and Scales. He might go with the same back four. I just think Phillips might come in.”"

Hartson tips in-form Celtic player to be dropped

Phillips might have been struggling for playing time at Liverpool, but it is clear that he has not come to Celtic to sit on the bench. And with the reputation and pedigree that he has, one would expect him to feature prominently for as long as he is at the club. Will that result in Scales being dropped from the starting XI?

Scales has certainly done all that he could have to remain a starter. He put in a superb display against the Rangers away at Ibrox. What more could one ask for?

And yet, considering the competition for places at Celtic, it is very possible that even that might not be enough for Scales. Rodgers’ starting XI against Dundee FC, and then vs Feyenoord, will say a lot about where the Irish defender stands in his plans.