As reported by the BBC, Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has opened up about what it takes to retain a place in Brendan Rodgers’ side, warning that failure to turn up in big matches could mean you’re swiftly replaced.
What’s the story?
After a less than ideal result at home to Anderlecht on Tuesday night, the Hoops have faced criticism from supporters who were hoping that their team could sign off from the UEFA Champions League group stages with a win against the Belgians.
Regardless, they head into the knock-out stages of the Europa League and can look forward to a big tie in the new year.
And Hoops goalkeeper Gordon understands that players need to perform at the elite European level if they’re to have a future at Celtic Park.
As quoted by the BBC, the Scotland international said:
We will have to play better, especially at home, to give ourselves the opportunity to win a knock-out tie. We have to be performing at the highest level, if not, at a club of this size, then you run the risk of being replaced. We need to do as well as we can in these big games to try and stay in the team. I’m sure the manager will be looking to strengthen the squad again in January.
The prediction of potential movement in January is an interesting one and something that’ll excite fans. One or two quality signings could really give this team a boost heading into an exciting 2018.
Learning lessons
Tuesday night was another brutal lesson for Celtic in Europe, with star players like Stuart Armstrong and Scott Sinclair failing to grasp the opportunity to impress at the highest level and watching the game pass them by.
If Celtic are to compete in European knock-out football they have to find a defiant spirit about them, especially in front of their own supporters, who provide an energy inside Celtic Park that would be the envy of many teams across the continent.
With two Champions League campaigns now under their belts, Rodgers’ side can’t continue to see Europe as a stage to learn on, but one which can define their Celtic careers. If they fail to do that, Craig Gordon is right, the Hoops boss won’t waste time in replacing them.