The midfield suffers from the absence of the Welshman

In recent years, the left-back position at Celtic Park has been the most difficult of positions to fill. Names such as Lee Naylor and Danny Fox have came and failed to fill the gaping hole left by the exit of Mo Camara and the Parkhead faithful must be tearing their hair out at this situation.

The last time Celtic looked to have a competent left-back was the period when Mark Wilson deputised as left-back with Paul “Telfu” Telfer dominating the right-back position. Since then, it has been troublesome with the full-back slots heaping further pressure and problems onto centre halves that have not had to seek their problems.

The signing of Charlie Mulgrew was not the solution that most fans were looking for and very early on, it seemed as though Neil Lennon was aware of Mulgrew’s shortcomings. Joe Ledley was quickly drafted in as a replacement left-back and in the short-term, it worked. The opening goal against St Mirren in Celtic’s first home league game of the season came from Ledley rampaging forward from the left-back position.

Celtic’s Honduran signing has looked good
The signing of Emilio Izaguirre and his subsequent performances looked to be the perfect solution and in a short space of time, the Honduran international has impressed.

However, the curse of the Celtic full-back spot has kicked in with an injury in the League Cup tie versus Inverness Caldeonian Thistle ruling Izaguirre out. Charlie Mulgrew took the opportunity to come back into the team and for that evening against Caley and the first half against Hibs at home, Mulgrew exceeded expectations.

An injury to Mulgrew though forced a change with Joe Ledley dropping back to left-back and this has not been good for Celtic.

Ledley appearing at left-back has actually managed to weaken two areas for Celtic. Although some fans don’t think Ledley has dominated games in midfield, there is the impression that his role allows other players to excel and it is only when Ledley is not in midfield that his influence is noticed.

Ledley has even helped Scott Brown look good
The second half against Hibs saw Celtic squander possession regularly and made for an uncomfortable 45 minutes for the team and fans alike. Against Hamilton, Celtic were not at the races for the opening 20 minutes and Scott Brown, who had looked good alongside Ledley, gave another headless chicken performance which had become his trademark in recent years.

Not only has the midfield been hampered by the loss of the Welshman but the deficiencies of Ledley as a left-back have started to show. This is not a criticism of the player who has switched position without fuss or complaint. It is to his credit that Ledley has dropped back to left-back but if he continues to be used in this role, Celtic could well be punished. His positional sense and awareness is not what it should be when facing the right winger of the opposition and with big challenges coming after the international break, Celtic need to be at their best.

Could Mark Wilson be a better alternative at left-back?
Neil Lennon will point to injuries to two left-backs as being unfortunate, and he would be correct but with Mark Wilson on the bench, it is maybe time to place Ledley back into midfield. Perhaps the break for international games will allow Izaguirre or Mulgrew to regain fitness but Celtic need to start selecting their strongest line-up with regards to key positions.

Worrying about the left-back position is nothing new for Celtic fans….but its not getting any easier to take.

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Could this finally be the solution to the tricky position?

Most people will have seen Emilio Izaguirre at the World Cup but this is down to the fact that Spanish striker David Villa had a cheeky off the ball punch at him. Izaguirre played against Spain and Chile at the 2010 World Cup.

Some fans will turn their noses up at a Honduran international team but the fact that they qualified for the World Cup and a good number of their squad have been a success down south in the Premiership means that there is a good level of players to be had from that nation.

This is not to say that any individual player is going to be of a good level but with 44 caps by the age of 24, you would think there may be something about Izaguirre. Then again…Edson Braafheid played some of the World Cup final and Celtic fans don’t need to be reminded that he wasn’t good enough.

It all shows how difficult the left-back position is to fill and Celtic have struggled in recent years in this area. Part of the problem is the need for Celtic to attack and have full-backs that compliment the attacking formation.

There are many full-backs that can do this but to ask them to do this and defend is putting a lot of pressure on them. In effect, Celtic fans are looking out for a wing-back going forward but an international class defender when not in possession.

We are not in the habit of running down the SPL but these players are in huge demand the world over so the Scottish game may miss out on them….because it must be one of the hardest tasks in the footballing game. Add that to needing to be comfortable on your left foot and regularly facing the opponents’ right-winger, quite often the most skilful player in the team, you can see why it is a hard position.

Celtic have not yet confirmed the signing on their website but Sky Sports News and Talksport (who will take their lead from SSN) have been running with it. With Darren O’Dea now at Ipswich on loan, there is a definite need for Celtic to strengthen their left-side of defence and it looks as though they will get their man…

The question is now who Celtic will register (if anyone) for the Utrecht game. The rules of the competition allows Celtic to register one further player for the squad tonight and it looks as though new signing centre half Daniel Majstorovic or Izaguirre could be available on Thursday night.

Celtic fans, who would you register for tomorrows game?

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Hoops getting shot of Danny Fox

Radio Clyde broke the news about Danny Fox supposedly being away and the radio station have announced that Celtic and Hearts have agreed a fee for left back Lee Wallace. The station hasn’t been the same without Tiger Tim Stevens but they are on a good run of form at the moment.

If only they could shoot everyone involved with Super Scoreboard, it would be a start.

Depending on the fee, Celtic may have a little bit more in the kitty to add to a squad that still needs strengthening as the late reversal against Hibs on Wednesday proved.

Wallace has earned rave reviews for Hearts in recent years and has performed strongly against Aiden McGeady, and has earned a call-up to the Scotland squad. Ironically enough, as has Danny Fox, who is the player on the way out of Celtic Park.

This may annoy some fans who would have preferred young Hoops player Paul Caddis to get a run at left back but that wouldn’t be bad. Caddis performed manfully in the position against Hibs but the amount of times he decided to pass the ball with the outside of his right foot as opposed to a simple pass with his left was concerning.

It was like an opposite Barry Robson!

This shouldn’t be viewed as a criticism of Paul Caddis who hasn’t let Celtic down at any point but a proper left back is required to improve the back four.

Like a lot of youngsters, Wallace has a colourful moment or two in his past but if he moves to Celtic, the Green Brigade and the rest of the young bucks will take him to their heart. No doubt there will be a few songs ready to be unveiled in the players honour!

Celtic fans, happy with Wallace?

1930 EDIT: Well, it appears to have went a bit quiet with Radio Clyde backtracking a bit from their lunchtime statement. That is not to say the deal is dead but there is likely to be a bit more toing and froing before any deal is concluded.

Roll on Monday and the window closing!

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