Celtic are five points behind both Rangers and Hearts
John Hartson has taken aim at the Celtic squad for their inconsistent performances, claiming they only raise their game when it suits them.
The former Parkhead striker believes experienced winger James Forrest deserves a place in the starting eleven as the title race intensifies.
Following a disappointing 2-0 loss at Dundee United prior to the international break, Martin O’Neill’s men now trail both Rangers and Hearts by five points.
Hartson – who netted 109 times in 201 appearances for the Hoops between 2001 and 2006 – has slammed the present squad for being ‘beat up’ during matches, reports the Daily Record.
On the Let Me be Frank Podcast with former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie, when questioned about what alterations he’d implement, Hartson responded: “I would be playing James Forrest. I know he’s f****** 57 years of age. I would play him.
“He’s the only one, for me, who is direct and looks to take players on. Tounekti does it on the other side. Tounekti has shown signs that he can produce things.
“But like I said. You have to do it, week in and week out, especially with the resurgence of Hearts. It’s a difficult place to go, at the best of times. It can be hostile there. Derek McInnes is doing a great job.”
“I thought Hearts would fall away. Halfway through the season, I thought Celtic would do what they normally do. They would come on strong. Momentum, and everything else.”
“But you can’t be willy nilly. You can’t just turn it on when you want to turn it on. Larsson did it week in, week out. Year in and year out, and so did all the other players.”
“We lost the odd game. Of course, we lost the odd game. Good teams lose football matches. It happens. But you can’t be at Celtic and play in second gear. You have to be at it every single week.”
“The man who is in charge now, Martin O’Neill, made sure that was the case. You have to play every single week.”
“I just look at the players, and they just trudge off, and they have been beat up. They don’t compete. They pull out of headers. Pull out of tackles. That’s not Celtic players you have seen in the past.”
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