Huge boost” coming Celtic’s way Boss smile

Former Celtic defender John Hughes is excited by the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers and reckons getting him fully fit will be a key factor in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Carter-Vickers has been plagued by injury and fitness problems since undergoing surgery last summer. Subsequent muscle issues have taken their toll on his playing time.

The United States international has only managed to make 19 starts this season, but now has the chance to play a pivotal role in delivering silverware for the Bhoys down the final stretch.

He’s overcome his latest injury scare after getting good news on a scan and is confirmed to be available for selection against St Johnstone on Saturday.

Cameron Carter-Vickers Celtic return talked up

For Hughes, Carter-Vickers is the most important member of the Celtic defence and he reckons the benefit of his return can’t be overstated.

He said [Daily Record, 15/03 print edition, page 43]: “Carter-Vickers has been a huge loss for me at times this season. He is absolutely massive for Celtic. You look at Hatate, one of the players of the year last year, and Carter-Vickers, who could have been the player of the year.

“Carter-Vickers coming back will be a huge boost for Brendan. He’s a rock at the back and he’s a major part of the way they play out from the back. You saw the difference he made when he came on against Motherwell, he completely changed the game.

“He’s got every tool in the box. He’s strong, he’s good in the air and he’s really quick. You can see the way he reads the game, he’s a step ahead of everyone else. You look at the record he has when he’s been in the team, Celtic have barely lost a game he’s been involved in.

For me, it’s important not to get too ahead of ourselves on the Carter-Vickers front. The defender has only completed one 90 minute match since December, so it’s really too early to know if he’s put his injury issues behind him.

If he can stay fit for the next 9 league matches and the Scottish Cup, then there’s no doubt he will make a big impact on Celtic’s form and fortunes