Mulgrew call signals primacy ahead of Efe and Dedryck

With the arrival of Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic and Erki Sviatchenko over the last 12 months, Charlie Mulgrew must have wondered if he would be offered a new contract which his current deal expires next month. Especially so considering how little football he’s played in recent years.

An incoming manager would be excused for looking at his squad and thinking Charlie was surplus to requirements, but, as we have touched on in recent weeks, the story of Celtic’s defence is more complicated.

Erik has been an unqualified success, but Jozo missed most of the season through injury, while Dedryck and Efe Ambrose suffered unfortunate (cough) spells of form. Charlie is a few years past his Player of the Year prime, but he’s a reliable consistent defender, who I’d have in the team before Efe or (Euros bound) Dedryck.

We have a bloated squad and need to move players on, but it’s no surprise Brendan Rodgers let Charlie know he wanted him to stay. He’s the right player to occupy third or fourth spot in the central defensive roster.  We’ll wait and see if Jozo can grab second spot.