CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS has set Brendan Rodgers a puzzle after his substitute’s appearance in the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
The rock in Celtic’s rearguard was forced to miss six consecutive games after limping off near the end of the 5-1 Champions League triumph over Slovan Bratislava at Parkhead on September 18.
However, the no-nonsense centre-back came off the bench in the 67th minute against Stuart Kettlewell’s side as Rodgers rejigged his back four with Alex Valle making way and Liam Scales moving wide left.
Carter-Vickers linked with his USA international team-mate Auston Trusty as the champions eased back to the Premiership pinnacle with goals from Luke McCowan, Alistair Johnston and Adam Idah.
HEAD BHOY…Cameron Carter-Vickers in an aerial duel with Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise.
Rodgers now has a decision to make before Dundee arrive in the east end of Glasgow in midweek before Saturday evening’s Premier Sports League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
CCV is a fixture of the team’s defence and, if fit, is certain to play, so the question is: Who drops out?
Valle was sacrificed yesterday, but the on-loan Barcelona left-back had looked impressive before getting the hook.
The Spaniard got the nod from Rodgers to start in place of Greg Taylor who is coming back from injury and who remained on the bench throughout.
Scales and Trusty are both left-sided operators and both would perfectly complement CCV.
It’s one for the Hoops gaffer to ponder as he prepares for two big games in Glasgow, but he could not disguise his joy at the former Spurs star’s return against Well.
A BIG HAND…comeback Bhoy Cameron Carter-Vickers applauds the fans after Celtic’s 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I’m very pleased. We’re not training a lot at the moment, so it’s important when we get those possibilities to get players in and play.
“That’s why it was absolutely key for us to have Cam in for 25 minutes and just get on the field again.”
After the match, the 26-year-old central defender revealed he had been playing through the pain barrier with his troublesome toe problem.
Carter-Vickers added: “I’ve had it for a few months now, but I was kind of playing with it. It was time to rest it and get it right, so that’s what I did.”
So, what happens next?
Over to you, Brendan!
THREE CHEERS AS CHAMPS RETURN TO NO.1