Torch passing moment between Carl and Gus

There are moments when the torch passes from one player to another in football.  Carl Starfelt (28) played for Celta Vigo on Saturday but did not make the bench for Sweden against Moldova last night.  Instead, Gustaf Lagerbielke made his second appearance at the back for Sweden and scored his first goal for his country.  Just as the players swapped in and out of Celtic in the summer, the international careers of Gus and Carl are heading in different directions.

A few weeks ago, Celtic called on Tomoki Iwata to fill-in in central defence, but soon we will have a glut of options there.  Cameron Carter-Vickers will be first choice when fit, while Gustaf, Liam Scales and Maik Nawrocki will compete for the other spot.  Nat Phillips, on loan until January, and Yuki Kobayashi are also in the picture.

Brendan Rodgers will genuinely not know what his central defensive pairing will be by the midway point of the season.  Early season expectations were that Maik was mostly likely to grab the opportunity.  The £4.5m signing has now been out with a hamstring injury for eight weeks, with no sign of an imminent return.  It will be a long way back to fitness for the Poland Under-21 international, but he is so highly thought of, he will get his chance.

Until then, Gus and Liam will be able to stake their claims.