Brendan Rodgers name checked Jozo Simunovic as he highlighted Celtic’s defensive problems despite beating Hamilton 3-1.
Shortly after replacing Dedryck Boyata the former Dinamo Zagreb defender was badly short with a pass-back that resulted in the visitors hitting the post.
If the game had gone to 3-2 in the closing stages it would have been tighter than desired with Rodgers already on record about his wish to bring in defenders next month.
Looking back on the win over Hamilton the Celtic boss told the Daily Record: “You have to expect something, but one of the chances came from us. It was loose play by Simunovic being short on the pass-back and the boy should maybe do better.
“But listen, it’s not an excuse for us. We know we’re in a run of games and it’s a really tight schedule – but that’s been since June.
“Since our first pre-season game started we’ve been training, playing, training, playing right the way through to now. It’s not an excuse for us.”
Rodgers must now decide whether to continue with the Simunovc-Boyata partnership for the remaining matches of the month or give Kristoffer Ajer his chance.
The young Norwegian impressed against Hamilton last night and has a good grasp of SPFL opponents from his spell on loan at Kilmarnock last season.
Rodgers rarely criticises players in public but after throwing away a two goal lead at Hibs it seems that his patience is running out with certain defenders.