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Gavin McCafferty
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou believes his team will get a big boost with the much-needed experience.
A team with a back four with an average age of 21 started the Champions League exit on Wednesday against Midtjylland, and the introduction of 19-year-old left-back Adam Montgomery further lowered the overtime average.
Swedish center-back Carl Starfelt will join the defense when Celtic kicks off Premiership season against Hearts in Tynecastle tonight, and new signing Kyogo Furuhashi could even make an unlikely appearance.
Commenting on the Japanese striker, Postecoglou said: “He’s quarantined in London but he’s released early and we sent one of our boys to help him so he’s doing individual sessions and this is his last day.
« The good thing about Kyogo is that he is in the middle of the season, so apart from the days in quarantine and traveling, he should be in good shape.
« I’m just waiting for an update on eligibility, but if not (Saturday) it will definitely be available for Thursday (against Jablonec in the Europa League). »
He added, « I think it was a little unfair to the pressure I put on some of our younger defenders and they did terribly well.
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“Callum McGregor did an incredible job as leader in those early games. He asserted himself in both attitude and performance, in everything.
« But he needs help, he needs some other experienced minds and it’s good to bring Carl here, I think it’s a boost for the whole team.
« It also helps to get Nir Bitton back (from lockdown) because when you start in these challenging circumstances, you can count on the experienced to handle any pressure. »
Postecoglou is still looking after some big signings after a slow start to their transfer business undermined Celtic’s Champions League campaign.
The Australian has made his feelings clear on the matter, but stressed that CEO Dom McKay is working hard to bring reinforcements to him.
« I think we’ve made progress and I’m still trying to get them involved asap. »
« As we know, it’s not just about getting them to sign and agree but there are a number of other things that we have to control, ”he said.
« I’m pushing as hard as I can and everyone in the club, including Dom, is doing everything possible to ensure we close some deals in the next short amount of time.
« Postecoglou declined to discuss specific goals after Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart was linked with a move to Parkhead.
« We have three goalkeepers who all played an important role last year, » he added. “We have to get into a position where one of them is number one because you don’t want to change goalkeepers too often.
« If I think we can improve in this position then that is an area we will look at, but there are a number of priorities in terms of positions.
« We still need two or three significant additions and which positions will depend on which players are available. »
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