SUTTON PINPOINTS PROBLEM WITH NEW BHOY

CHRIS SUTTON has pinpointed the problem with Celtic’s new £4.5million keeper Vasilis Barkas.

The Greek international was brought to the champions by Neil Lennon when it became clear Fraser Forster would not be returning from Southampton on another loan to play his role in the club’s quest to make history with a tenth successive title.

Ironically, as CQN reported, the skyscraper England international has been told he will not be first choice by Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl and could be heading out again on another temporary transfer.

Barkas has taken some flak, particularly for his positioning at the second Ferencvaros goal that saw the Hoops crash out of the Champions League for an unwanted hat-trick.

However, Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I’m not overly concerned about Vasilis Barkas, despite some criticism of the keeper creeping in. He hasn’t done a lot wrong and his biggest problem seems to be he’s not Fraser Forster.

“The fact Southampton are now saying Forster can go out on loan is meaningless. Celtic needed him a month ago and that ship has sailed. Would Forster have saved the goal against Ferencvaros? Maybe.

“But we’ll never know and it’s pointless to even guess. There were a good few reasons why Celtic went out to a Ferencvaros side they should have been able to beat. Fingers can be pointed at all levels of the club, but the keeper getting done at his near post is way down the list.

“Barkas has admitted it’s taking him time to settle in Scotland, that’s understandable.

“It took me time as well getting used to life in Glasgow, figuring out what people were saying to me and trying to work out how they could eat things like square sausage.

“It’s especially hard for a keeper as the role is completely different at Celtic and Rangers.

“You can have little to do some weeks and that might be a change in mentality.

“Celtic have invested heavily to get him and he deserves time.”

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