Jullien and backfill

We are not short of choices, but the trophy win from our quadruple treble my mind most falls back on is the League Cup Final win over Newco in 2019, the 10th trophy of the series.  Celtic were without a fit striker to start the game, Lewis Morgan was thrown into the role.

Even though that season produced another treble, this was a game in which demonstrated the decline of the imperious team that had gone 69 matches undefeated earlier in our quadruple run.  Still, Celtic did what Celtic always did then, found what was necessary to win the trophy.

Newco battered us throughout the 90 minutes, plus 8 added at the end, but the game turned on a four-minute spell midway through the second half.  Odsonne Edouard replaced Morgan on 59 minutes and was fouled the first time the ball went near him.  Christopher Jullien met the resulting Ryan Christie free kick to score the only goal of the game.

Three minutes after that, Jeremie Frimpong was red carded and conceded a penalty.  Alfredo Morelos’ effort was saved by Fraser Forster, who put on one of the greatest goalkeeper performances I have ever seen.

Under so much pressure, with our run on the line, Jullien’s goal brought a moment of sheer elation.  For me, no other goal in the entire 12 trophy run matches it.  Just over a year later, Chris was injured.  It was 14 months before we saw him on the field again, by which time a new manager was in place with a new defensive partnership and plan for the future.

He travelled to Germany yesterday for a medical ahead of a planned move to Schalke.  This examination will not go through on the nod, so there are no guarantees the deal will conclude.  At 29, Chris cannot afford to sit on the bench, or stand, and wait for his chance.  If he gets his move, it will be a bittersweet parting.

Those of you who are paying attention will note, the squad headcount is close to being relieved of an occupant in central defence.  Backfill is the more interesting question.