The last couple of weeks have been miserable for Celtic, who have lost all of their last three games, two of which were against Rangers in cup and league Old Firm fixtures.
The effort and application during those games was not deemed good enough by Celtic fans, who booed their team off the pitch in the second derby, and that was no surprise. Fans at least expect their team to chase the game when one down in the last 10 minutes, but the Hoops couldn't muster up anything in the final moments of the game.
The Hoops just seem to capitulate, and no one on the pitch or the sidelines seems to have any idea of how to fix it, which is the most concerning part.
Almost every player has had a part to play in the situation, but are there any players who deserve a little credit amid a collection of out of form stars? We believe there are four.
Colby Donovan
Donovan makes the list, more than anything, because of his application. There are some concerns with his form, and his effort almost covers up for that. The youngster has often been caught out of position defensively, and his delivery needs some work, but his effort has been outstanding in most games, especially in the context of playing in a team that has lacked any sort of intensity.
That certainly deserves some credit. It's so easy to go hiding in a team that is doing the same, but Donovan, despite his age, has remained aggressive in his approach.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Carter-Vickers' efforts have been a little overlooked. Has every one of his performances been brilliant this season? No. The first derby didn't go well for him, and it looked like he lacked fitness after a small injury, but he has largely been Celtic's best defender.
He produced a goal-saving diving block in the second Rangers game and a goal-line clearance, and throughout this season, he has bailed Celtic out when players come leaking through a poor midfield. CCV and co have been left exposed too often, but the American international has remained steady, winning most of his duels.
Viljami Sinisalo
If anyone has an excuse to throw his toys out of the pram, it is Sinisalo, who was unfairly and unjustly dropped before being brought back in for the last two.
Sinisalo will want to have done better with the Rangers goal, but overall this season, he has been steady and consistent, and in terms of his actions on the pitch, with how vocal he is, he might be the only player willing to dig anyone out for their poor performance. That shouldn't be the case, but it is, and when you combine his leadership with his general good form, Sinisalo deserves some credit.
James Forrest
Forrest has been the least productive of these players, but during this difficult run of defeats, he has been one of the few players to show true endeavour on the ball, even when things aren't going well. He has maintained intensity, and while he lacks the ability to consistently beat a man at this stage of his career, the veteran winger is constantly picking up his head and giving it a go, rather than shying away from duels as some other wingers have.
Honourable mention
He doesn't make this list because he has not played enough, but Shim Mheuka has given it a go in most cameos, and while he hasn't done enough to make this list, it's fair to exclude him from the rest, who would find themselves on a very different list.
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