Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Dane Murray could potentially miss the Scottish Cup clash against Rangers this weekend after the defender had to be replaced moments before the Aberdeen game.
Murray was given the nod at centre-back at Pittodrie on a drama-filled night, but during the warm-up, he had to be replaced by Benjamin Arthur. Although it was initially reported to be an eye injury, O'Neill has now confirmed what really happened.
The manager said:
"Dane said he felt his thigh, which is a concern for us, really. I would have to think he would be [a doubt for Rangers] at this minute. But we don’t know at this minute. He’s just come in. He’s been treated. He’ll obviously be in for treatment tomorrow morning, and we’ll see. But if you’re thinking about a thigh, I’m hoping that I’m not doom and gloom, but I would be concerned about it.”"
With another injury to worry about for someone who was likely to start on Sunday, things have just gotten harder for the Celts. Some supporters criticised Murray's performance against Rangers last time out though, so could it actually be a positive that Arthur will likely be starting instead?
Against the Dons, the Brentford loanee put in a brilliant performance and showed the ability he has. It wasn't that long ago that O'Neill dubbed him a Premier League standard player, and now, we can all see why.
Thrown in the deep end
With only one start to prepare himself though, Arthur will certainly be thrown in the deep end should he start at Ibrox. It's a hostile environment for the Hoops to go to, and with this being a knockout tie, no team is leaving the stadium until one of them grabs a victory.
Whenever he was called into action, Arthur looked confident against Aberdeen. He has been receiving plaudits from not only fans, but his own teammates as well, with Viljami Sinisalo branding him as "an absolute lion" when defending the box.
Remember that the Hoops also have Auston Trusty returning from his suspension for the Scottish Cup tie at the weekend, so there is even more competition for Arthur to keep his place. The question on everyone's lips is whether he will retain that spot, and honestly, we think there is a strong possibility. If O'Neill thinks he can handle the pressure, let's see what the young defender really has to offer on a massive domestic stage.