Why Emilio Izaguirre DOESN'T need replaced
Neil Lennon wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t consider bringing in another left-back especially with Izaguirre absent for between four and six months.
Having looked around at the options I hope that the solutions are already in place with the current squad with Adam Matthews the obvious deputy.
Charlie Mulgrew stepped in for Izaguirre with some ease against Aberdeen but Mulgrew is probably the first to admit that it isn’t his preferred position. Having established himself as the club’s best central defender in the second half of last season Mulgrew will be hoping to get a run in that position alongside Kelvin Wilson.
In only a couple of first team outings Matthews looks as if he is upto the job despite the match at Pittodrie being his competitive debut.
The former Cardiff defender has shown a maturity way beyond his 19 years in his Celtic appearances and looked to be a time served left-back when he played in that position in the friendly against Wolves. His form was recognised by Gary Speed last night when he was played for the last half hour of Wales’ friendly against Australia.
When Celtic moved to sign Matthews in January his versatility would have been one of the major attractions although a long term injury to Izaguirre wouldn’t have been anticipated.
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With Matthews showing up well and on the back of an international appearance he looks ready to step in to fill Izaguirre’s boots. In most SPL games a Celtic full-back is rarely tested defensively which will give him time to find his feet and adapt to the position.
Playing against Sion and hopefully qualifying into the Europa League will prove more demanding for Matthews but Lennon will field a different type of team for those matches.
At Ibrox last season, Celtic’s toughest fixtures in the absence of European competition, Lennon changed his team significantly with an emphasis on defensive strength particularly from a strong midfield.
In those type of fixtures Matthews can expect to have Kris Commons or Joe Ledley providing support in front of him with a solid central defensive partnership to his right.
Recently signings such as Matthews have been referred to as projects and ‘one for the future’. Rather than a short term loan adding to the wage bill giving Matthews the left-back role looks like the obvious decision in the absence of Izzy.
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