Celtic have a lack of depth at left-back due to Greg Taylor being the only occupier of the position with any level of quantifiable senior experience.
The Scotland international has been a stalwart since arriving from Kilmarnock in 2019, registering eight goals and 25 assists in 173 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Taylor only has a year left on his deal at Celtic, prompting talk among supporters regarding a potential contract extension for the 26-year-old. In any case, that should be a priority for the club amid the reality that Alexandro Bernabei isn’t viewed as part of the furniture once he returns from Internacional.
Leaving the Bhoys in a predicament, there is a widespread desire for Brendan Rodgers to enter the market to bolster this area of the field, but there could be one or two internal figures that could change minds.
Celtic’s left-back hopefuls that could make first-team strides
Mounting attention has been given to Celtic’s struggle to bring through homegrown talent, something Rodgers indicated he will look to improve during his second spell.
In light of this, could someone like Matthew Anderson fit the bill following his exploits last season with Admira Wacker? Across 22 appearances in Austria, the 19-year-old registered a goal and six assists with the Hoops’ partner club.
Academy graduates making the grade at senior level have been few and far between in recent years at Celtic. Beyond Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Stephen Welsh, Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney, few have made a lasting impact in the first-team.
Nevertheless, considering the level he was playing at and the fact he is now 20, there is cause to at least grant him some minutes in pre-season to prove his worth.
Mitchel Frame played for the second half of the Bhoys’ 1-1 draw against Ayr United last Friday, impressing with his powerful running down the left-hand side at Somerset Park.
The 18-year-old’s only senior outing preceding that came against Feyenoord in the Champions League last December, where he held his own against established Eredivisie stars and didn’t look out of place under the lights.
Born in Ayrshire, Frame is someone most fans would be intrigued to see more of during friendly preparations. Could he force his way into contention?
Finally, Adam Montgomery is a name that some people could be forgiven for not realising that he is still actually a Celtic player; however, he signed a one-year extension at Parkhead earlier this year and has featured 20 times for Celtic [Transfermarkt].
In his early days under Ange Postecoglou, the 21-year-old showed some promising signs, but he has since embarked on loan spells to Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Fleetwood Town and Motherwell.
Wildcard career turnarounds have become a habit at Celtic in recent years. Although it does feel unlikely, I don’t think you could count Montgomery out yet if the left-back situation stays the same.
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