Celtic must be careful with Cameron Carter-Vickers | OneFootball

CCV is due back, but we need to tread carefully with his fitness…

Cameron Carter-Vickers during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park  on December 06, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Cameron Carter Vickers is close to a return to the first team. The big strong man has had his injury problems this campaign and we’ve missed him greatly. It’s been reported that he could be available as early as this Sunday when we travel to Fir Park to take on Motherwell in an ever so vital Scottish Premiership fixture.

CCV should however be treated with caution regarding his fragile fitness. He was rushed back a couple of times this season and he was quickly ruled out of action soon after. With that in mind, it’s imperative we tread carefully where his fitness is concerned. Maybe a place on the bench is the most sensible approach come Sunday?

Cameron Carter-Vickers during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Ross County at Celtic Park on January 27, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Alternatively Brendan might think it’s worth taking a risk again with CCV’s injury issue as it’s such an important game for his side’s chances or retaining the title. Then a similar situation and approach next midweek when Dundee visit Celtic Park, maybe even a few minutes under his belt if all goes well? Then maybe if he’s in top condition he can start at Tynecastle a week on Sunday?

Or does he have to play in all three games to keep Celtic on track for the title?  The next game is always the most important to let’s concentrate on Fir Park and see if we can get the three points and hopefully a much better performance. This team needs the strength and presence of CCV there is no doubt about that and it’s a Celtic team that the support is beginning to lose faith in. That has to change on Sunday.

Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic  at full time after the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on December 16, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Make no mistake this trip to Fir Park is a vital game and is clearly the most important game of the season so far, on so many levels. Win and it won’t remain that way because it will be exactly the same position for Wednesday’s clash with Dundee at Celtic Park (which will have parking issues for the Celtic supporters buses), and on it will go.

But there is no point in rushing CCV back if it’s just going to set him back again. We need to tread carefully in terms of his overall fitness but we have a title to defend and it could be lost because of his absence. Who’d be a manager? Suppose that’s why the money is so good, so time for Brendan to start making the correct calls.

Coming soon from the makers of The Celtic Star…