The Hoops landed six new signings in January, with free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain checking in after deadline day
Frank McAvennie has called on Martin O’Neill to introduce a surprise element in Celtic’s defence.
The Hoops welcomed six new signings in January, including free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who joined after the transfer deadline.
Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara have both made an immediate impact, while Junior Adamu kept Celtic’s Scottish Cup hopes alive with a dramatic last-minute debut goal. Joel Mvuka also joined on loan but only lasted 45 minutes in his first start.
However, one player who has slipped under the radar is Benjamin Arthur. The 20-year-old Brentford novice completed a last-minute loan move but wasn’t included in Saturday’s matchday squad against Dundee.
The English powerhouse has already drawn comparisons to Virgil van Dijk from Dundee manager Steven Pressley, who worked with the young player during his tenure as head of player development at Brentford, reports the Daily Record.
Parkhead legend Macca believes the towering centre-back – who has made three appearances for Brentford – should be thrown into the mix straight away.
Speaking on the Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie said: “See these players they brought in? They are all good players and you’ve got to get them in the team because we need them.
“In my opinion, we need this boy from Brentford to come into this team because the boys are not good enough at the back – for me.
“The chances that are getting created against Celtic, I’ve never seen so many. Keeper saves them and because we win, it’s another clean sheet.
“But the chances… a good striker would’ve buried a few of them. We’re getting dominated against teams now. I don’t care how old he is, he’s 6ft 4, get him in the team.
“If he’s playing for a Premier League club, get him in the team. We brought Van Dijk up, nobody knew who he was and he went straight into the team. He was a colossus.”
McAvennie reckons the inexperienced defender should be given the nod ahead of Liam Scales, arguing the Irishman has made one too many errors.
He continued: “I think he could be a good player but he’s got to learn. How many chances have come off Liam and people have missed them?”
