Decision time looms in goalkeeper search
For long periods Celtic played well, passed confidently and created half a dozen scoring chances but at this sort of level- even in friendly mode- there is a gulf in quality between Celtic and Inter Milan.
Any one questioning that need only look at Inter’s half-time substitutes- Wesley Sneidjer and Samuel Eto’o! While Celtic have got depth to their squad they can’t begin to compare to the quality of the 2010 Champions League winners.
The key difference on the pitch today was in goalkeepers. While Lucasz Zaluska pulled off a couple of impressive saves a moments hesitation in first half injury time allowed Giampolo Pazzini to double Inter’s lead and you can’t allow an Italian side, even down to ten me, a two goal start.
In contrast Luca Castellazzist turned in a virtual faultless display highlighted by a great double save from Georgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew in the first half.
Neil Lennon never needed reminding but securing a quality goalkeeper really is non-negotiable if Celtic are to turn last season’s development into this season’s championship.
It appears that Fraser Forster remains the number one target but last season’s first choice is pushing hard for a place at Newcastle and looks like starting the season as Alan Pardew’s first or second choice keeper.
On the plus side today there was plenty to be pleased about in the displays of Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Ledley and second half substitute Adam Matthews.
Mulgrew sat out the SPL opener at Hibs on the substitute bench but whether in left midfield or at centre-half he has shown in his performances against Wolves and Inter that he deserves to be in the starting XI.
Restored to centre midfield today Ledley put in a powerful performance, demanding the ball and prompting, pushing forward whenever possible.
The Welshman too some punishment from the Inter midfielders which isn’t a bad compliment. After being banished to the left for the win over Hibs Ledley looked hungry to impressive in the centre of midfield.
Matthews looks a very composed customer, at right-back today or left-back for most of the Wolves match he looks the identikit player for Lennon’s evolving side. While his defensive abilities have still to be fully tested he’s comfortable on the ball and shows great maturity in possession despite his youth.
Friday’s Europa League draw is the most immediate test for Lennon’s side- a task that will be made easier if a first choice keeper is secured.
If Newcastle aren’t prepared to listen to Celtic’s offer then it’s time to be decisive and move in for a proven keeper who can then build a relationship with the defence. Until that move is made there will be a question mark over Celtic defensively that is bound to be tested in the European arena although probably not too often domestically.