Cameron Carter-Vickers and his wider impact in the Celtic backline

Celtic central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is viewed by many as the glue that holds Brendan Rodgers’ side together due to his consistency.

The United States international has made 25 appearances in all comPetitions this term, registering one goal and a solitary assist [Transfermarkt].

Nevertheless, for long periods of the campaign, Carter-Vickers has been dogged by injury, unsettling the balance in Rodgers’ backline. At various points during the campaign, Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, and forgotten man Gustaf Lagerbielke have all had to deputise in his absence.

Looking solely at the Scottish Premiership, Carter-Vickers has featured on 21 occasions, helping Celtic to 16 victories in that time, which works out at a win percentage when he is on the field of around 76.1%.

In contrast, considering his 12 fixtures missed due to injury, the Hoops have won eight times, factoring in at 66.6%. This shows a clear correlation with Celtic standing a better chance of claiming three points when the former Tottenham Hotspur man is available to participate.

Most fans would agree with this sentiment, and Carter-Vickers is likely to be a crucial player for Rodgers in their collective pursuit of a domestic double.

Peter Grant on Cameron Carter-Vickers’ wider Celtic impact

There is a general consensus among the Celtic support that we look far less vulnerable with Carter-Vickers’ inclusion, which is a sentiment Peter Grant shares regarding the Southend-born defender.

Speaking live on the Go Radio Football Show, the 58-year-old elaborated, claiming the Celtic stalwart makes those around him perform to a higher level, owing to his organisational qualities.

He stated: “I just look at Carter-Vickers, and I can’t see by him. I don’t mean just by his iNFLuence. Barry (Ferguson) is talking about 1 v 1s and behind-the-ball situations. They’re so important, and he does them very well.

“But also, the guy who plays along with him plays better. It was Nawrocki at the weekend; he did well. That’s my problem, that’s my worry. Whenever somebody is coming back from an injury, they’ve got to take a centre back off after 60 minutes.

“Stephen Welsh came on, and he did very well when he came on, but that sums it up for me because I think whoever plays with Carter-Vickers is a good player and plays well, just because of the organisation.

“Look at Scales this season, when he plays with Scales. Whoever he plays with, he makes the other player better, and I just think that gives them confidence to build from, and I thought he was excellent in the Game.

Truthfully, it would’ve been hard to foresee Celtic clawing their way back into being slight favourites for the title if Carter-Vickers hadn’t returned from injury against Motherwell in our dramatic 3-1 victory at Fir Park earlier this year.

Nevertheless, he has come in and done a sterling job, taking the captain’s armband amid Callum McGregor’s period of absence.

Carter-Vickers is now tied down to Celtic until the summer of 2029, signalling there is plenty more to come from him as we cast an eye towards the future.

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