Carl Starfelt facing extended spell on sidelines after Celtic latest – McAvennie
Frank McAvennie has claimed Carl Starfelt will struggle to get back into the Celtic starting lineup when he returns to full fitness.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said that Ange Postecoglou has good options in defence and praised the partnership between Moritz Jenz and Cameron Carter-Vickers at centre-back.
Starfelt picked up a knee injury in the Celts’ 4-0 win over Rangers on 3 September and is yet to feature in a game since.
As quoted by the Scotsman (14 October), Postecoglou said the Sweden international is still “a couple of weeks away” from a full return but has been back in training.
The Green and Whites boss is hopeful the defender can return to the side before the winter break.
McAvennie suggested that even when Starfelt returns, he will be facing a spell on the bench.
“The biggest thing for me is that parentship now between Jenz and Carter-Vickers,” he told Football Insider.
“I think they have struck up quite a good understanding with Starfelt being injured. I think he will be third place now.
“I think [Alexandro] Bernabei is a good left-back and [Greg] Taylor. On the other side there is [Josip] Juranovic and [Anthony] Ralston who does not let anyone down. I think [Aaron] Mooy is getting better and better with every game he plays as well.”
Starfelt has made just four appearances for the Celts so far this season across all competitions.
In those outings he has scored two goals.
In other news, McAvennie has issued emphatic Kyogo Furuhashi verdict as Celtic footage emerges.