Who has been the best Celtic sweeper in the last 30 years?

The best Celtic XI since 1988 is starting to take shape with one more defensive place to be taken.

Artur Boruc, Mikael Lustig, Kieran Tierney and Virgil van Dijk have all been voted in by the fans with the final place going to a sweeper.

Thirty years ago Celtic fans were watching Roy Aitken fill that role with all the attributes expected of a skipper.

The sweeper role can be played in a number of ways but the main quality required is to compliment the centre half.

With van Dijk looking after everything in the air, and turning defence into attack, the sweeper in this side would be able to concentrate on taking the ball out of defence with two full-back’s keen to push up the park.

The search for the best side is restricted to players that have turned out for at least two seasons otherwise Jason Denayer would have been as candidate.

Flick through the pages, assess the candidates then cast your vote as the fans have their say on a Celtic XI that would fear no-one at home or in Europe.

JOHAN MJALLBY

Was signed by Dr Jo Venglos as a central midfielder but stepped back into defence with devastating effect for Martin O’Neill.

It was in a three man defence that he excelled with the physical presence that O’Neill required, a sure touch on the ball and incredible will to win.

Playing as a sweeper in a back four wouldn’t be any problem, alongside Balde he would present a very formidable defensive barrier.

GARY CALDWELL

Joined from Hibs in Gordon Strachan’s second season and went on to form a solid partnership alongside Stephen McManus.

He was never quite accepted by the Celtic support, he had a high opinion of himself but did feature in two successive Champions League group phases.

Caldwell played a key role in the dramatic 2007/08 title success with two memorable assists in the 2-1 win over Rangers (IL) when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored a late late winner.

ALAN STUBBS

Took his time getting going at Celtic but the arrival of Marc Reiper transformed his game as Wim Jansen’s side took the title in 98.

Stubbs had a great range of passing and managed to hold his place under a succession of managers when the Celtic defence was often criticised.

There was a feeling that he never quite lived up to expectations but he played a big part in stopping the ten and left the club having contributed towards a treble win.