Celtic fans want starter to be dropped for bargain signing

Things rarely stay still at clubs like Celtic. There is little scope for error. Just look at the reaction to their draw against Aberdeen. Yes, it was a bad second half on the part of the Hoops but it was far from the end of the world. But then, it did not take long for the mood to change completely either, as a goalless draw against Atalanta away in Bergamo earned Brendan Rodgers' side a point and plenty of plaudits as well.

Another example can be the situation of Arne Engels. The Belgian midfielder was praised heavily after his first few appearances.

His recent displays have been steady but unremarkable. And there are plenty of players who want him to be dropped for Luke McCowan, who was also signed in the summer. But while Engels was brought in for a club-record £11 million transfer, the former Dundee midfielder arrived for a figure believed to be in the region of £1 million.

Do not get us wrong, McCowan has been impressive and he deserves more playing time for sure. But it might be a bit too early to make calls for Engels to be dropped.

Celtic fans want starter to be dropped for bargain signing

To be honest, it was not hard to foresee some of the reactions. Engels is not the flashiest midfielder and this point in his career, he does not have an incredible output in terms of goals and assists either.

He has a ton of technical ability though and will need more time to adjust the other areas of his game, where he is lacking. Also, Rodgers has to be under some pressure to start him, simply because of the club-record fee that was shelled out to sign the Belgian.

The best route forward would be balancing the minutes of Engels and McCowan a bit better. But do not expect the Belgian to lose his place in the starting XI unless he starts struggling.