ANGE POSTECOGLOU admits Celtic were short in the full-back department last season.
Greg Taylor was the only recognised No.3 and the manager was forced to switch Josip Juranovic from right to left when the Scotland international was unavailable through his shoulder injury.
Postecoglou was quick to add another left-sided back-four performer in Argentinian Alexandro Bernabei who arrived in a £3.75million switch from top-flight Lanus in June.
ON THE RUN…Greg Taylor in command against Ross County.
At the same time, Liam Scales and Adam Montgomery have been allowed to go on loan to Aberdeen and St Johnstone respectively.
The Greek-Australian is now delighted with his resources in his backline as he acknowledges how crucial the post is to his formation.
As well as Juranovic, Taylor and Bernabei, the boss also has Anthony Ralston vying for a place in his top side.
Postecoglou said: “The way we play with our full-backs is a little bit different and Greg has adapted really well to it. He was really strong for us last season and has continued in the first few games.
“Greg is going really well this season, but he was also going really well last season, too.
“People will say I have brought in competition for Greg in Alexandro. But I haven’t brought in competition, I have brought in a player who can, hopefully, allow Greg to be the best player he can be.
“You know, I look at last year and Greg was the only real left-back we had at the club. We were playing Josip Juranovic at left-back at times because of that.
BIG-HITTER…Josip Juranovic prepares to send the ball goalwards.
“There is always the risk that you overburden players in the full-back areas, so Bernabei coming in is really good for us as a group. It gives us depth in a key area, in a really important position for us.”
Postecoglou was a full-back in his playing days and joked: “It’s the most overrated position on the field! That’s why I am trying to eliminate the full-back from the line-up with the way we play.
“Greg is nothing like me. He is a much better player than I ever was. I was a frustrated left-winger and I am much happier seeing him play the way he is.
“I wasn’t inverted. I just used to just take off down the wing and leave my defensive duties!”
SUPPORTING CAST…Alexandro Bernabei has added quality to Ange Postecoglou’s back-line.
Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “With the way we play, full-back is a real key area and I now have four players there that I have the utmost faith and confidence in.
“The full-back positions are obviously quite unique in terms of how we play compared to other models.
“It is just about making sure we provide all the players who play in those areas clarity on the advice we give them. All the full-backs at the club, even Bernabei, who has just come in, have adapted to it very quickly.
“I think that is because we are very clear about the reason we want them to play that way.”
