The aftermath of Celtic’s 1-0 defeat from Lincoln Red Imps has been swift and brutal.
Sob stories aren’t required as supporters let loose with their anger over a result that most would describe as the worst in club history.
There has been other humiliating and painful defeats but generally they’ve come against full-time professional clubs.
With three years of UEFA experience Lincoln have no pedigree and until last night no history- over 90 minutes that changed dramatically.
During that spell just after half-time there could have been much more than one goal scored but ‘fortunately’ net week Celtic only have to overturn the goal from Lee Cascairo.
When the Celtic team is announced on Wednesday for the return leg we’ll all have a clearer idea of how Brendan Rodgers goes about constructing his team. Some big names look vulnerable, very vulnerable but until the team is named supporters will have to make do with guesswork.
Most fans have sympathy for Efe Ambrose, patience with those that select the Nigerian is in shorter supply.
Ever since his disastrous return from the African Nations Cup to face Juventus in 2013 his career has been on a downspin.
However Neil Lennon continued to pick him, Ronny Deila did the same and after one match of Brendan Rodgers it seems that he is still rated.
A replacement seems to be in short supply but Eoghan O’Connell really should be capable of stepping in and keeping a clean sheet alongside Erik Sviachenko when Lincoln visit Celtic next week.
Go to top of article to click through the other four players,.
Scott Brown’s Celtic future has rarely been discussed
but with attitude and spirit questionable in the side the buck stops with the captain.
A lack of ability can be countered if there are strong leadership qualities but Brown is now being questioned on both fronts with little sign of battling on show last night.
Dropping the skipper would be an enormous call for Rodgers to make, it needn’t be the end of the line for Brown but with so many players looking for a midfield place competition is certain to be fierce.
If Brown is to survive much more will be required, the snarling never-say-die skipper is a popular figure among supporters but with a new era underway no-one can be bulletproof.
The demise of Nir Bitton continued against Lincoln
with his transfer market taking a tumble as well.
Reports of a £6m bid from Espanyol suddenly seemed attractive and generous with the laid back attitude of the midfielder being openly attacked by supporters watching in despair.
Whether Bitton’s style suits the new era introduced by Rodgers remains to be seen but like Brown there is a lengthy list of midfielders waiting to be given their chance in the centre of the park.
Six years after breaking through from the youth ranks
we are no further forward from knowing what type of player James Forrest is capable of becoming.
With his track record of injuries sympathy is in short supply highlighted by the reaction of supporters to his contract stand off.
Last night Forrest was preferred to Patrick Roberts which will have been noted around the Etihad Stadium. Years of living with injury seem to have taken something significant from his game.
Whether there will be an other chance under Rodgers remains to be seen, little in the way of tears will be shed if last night’s display was a farewell appearance.
Would the real Saidy Janko
please make himself known.
A year after signing for just under £1m from Manchester United the defender has made next to no impact on the team despite competition from Mikael Lustig, Darnell Fisher and now Tony Ralston.
Having earned a move to Manchester United as a teenager Janko obviously has something about him, having been cast aside by Lois van Gall there has to be questions over his ability and temperament.
Wednesday night’s team-sheet to face Lincoln Red Imps is already eagerly awaited- it wouldn’t be any surprise if a number of last night’s side are on their way to pastures new.