CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed he does NOT have a No.1 goalkeeper at the club!
Craig Gordon started the season as the man in possession, but the Hoops gaffer brought in his former Swansea shoptstopper Dorus de Vries during last month’s transfer window.
However, the 35-year-old Dutchman shipped 11 goals in four games – seven against Barcelona, two against Caley Thistle and singles against Aberdeen and Sevco Rangers.
Gordon return in the 2-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Alloa in midweek and his only moment of controversy was an awkward high challenge on Greig Spence that earned him a booking with the rivals looking for a red card.
Rodgers has been quizzed in recent week over his first-choice custodian. He said: “It’s probably worth my explaining why I brought in Dorus de Vries, if it makes it easier.
“Going into the Champions League qualifiers, I had one fit goalkeeper, Craig Gordon. Logan Bailly was out injured and Leo Fasan has not played a league game.
“So, I needed to bring in someone with experience. If it was someone who had experience of how I work then great. So, I brought in Dorus, who was Player of the Season at Nottingham Forest last season and knows how I work from our time at Swansea.
“Was Dorus No 2? Was he No 1? That wasn’t really my thinking. I just wanted good goalkeepers. I never really wanted to pinpoint if I had a No 1 or No 2.
“It’s just like the outfield players. If you’ve Leigh Griffiths playing as the only striker all season then he doesn’t get pushed.
“Everyone needs a little push. Everyone needs to be striving every day to be the best.
“Since Craig has been out of the team, he’s been brilliant, very professional. He’s a good guy who works very hard and that little goalkeepers’ union get on very well and they push each other.
“When Craig was in the team, I was asked if he was the right one. Now he’s not in the team, I’m being asked why he is not No 1.
“For me, it’s important to accept the goalkeeper that we play. Just as with the outfield players, I will always pick what I think is the best team for the game.
“I have got very good goalkeepers. And if I choose to put that goalkeeper in, he will be the one in possession of the jersey.
“Then it’s about retaining the shirt, as it is for every player in the team. Who will play against Kilmarnock and Manchester City? Wait and see.”
