Brendan Rodgers must be loving life at Celtic right now. He has already outcompeted one Rangers manager in the form of Michael Beale, who was shown the exit door recently. And this time around, he has an interesting challenger in Philippe Clement, who has more pedigree than any of the Ibrox club’s recent managers.
To be honest, Celtic stumbled out of the gates this season and many were even questioning the decision to bring back Rodgers. The Hoops have found their feet since then though and now, it looks like the Northern Irishman knows his strongest XI.
One of the stories of the season has been the rise of Liam Scales. He was bottom of the centre-back pecking order when the season started. But a series of injuries meant that he found himself starting in the heart of defence a few games on the trot.
It would be an understatement to say that Scales took the opportunity with both hands. He exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic fans and has to be considered as an undroppable at this point in time. Of course, that gives Rodgers a headache albeit a welcome one.
Rodgers has €8.5 million headache at Celtic
Celtic signed three centre-backs in the summer. Nat Phillips is only on a half season loan, and is expected to head back to Liverpool in January.
Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke were signed on permanent basis though. And for a combined transfer fee around €8.5 million as well. That is significant and they will surely be hoping to get playing time at Parkhead.
It is hard to see where that will come from though. Scales has beenb far too good to even consider dropping. On the other hand, Cameron Carter-Vickers is the defensive leader and pretty much an automatic starter. As a result, Nawrocki and Lagerbielke might struggle to get into the team unless something unexpected happens.