Celtic defeat to Falkirk raises attacking 'question marks' as Hoops icon identifies major flaw in star's game

Celtic striker Camilo Duran has received plenty of plaudits already this season - but Hoops icon Pat Bonner reckons if he’s to cut the mustard at Parkhead then he’ll need to improve his movement.

The Colombian started in his favoured position through the middle in their Scottish Premiership clash with Falkirk. With eight goal contributions in six matches prior to the trip, the summer signing has been Celtic’s in-form man, however he wasn’t able to trouble the scoresheet in their 2-0 defeat.

While Duran worked Bairns goalkeeper Scott Bain a few times at the Falkirk Stadium, particularly in the second half, he struggled to make an impact on the game, culminating in him being substituted for Kasper Hogh in the 65th minute. Analysing the match for BBC Sportsound, former Hoops goalkeeper Bonner thought his lack of movement didn’t help.

Duran must improve movement if he’s to lead the line for Celtic - Bonner

He said: “I'm looking at Duran, how many times did he get the ball in a position where he could actually do something himself inside the box? I think that one cross that came in was a great cross, but he's on his heels, he's almost out-muscled in that position. If he's going to come in here to Celtic, then he's got to think about his movement and he's got to try to create a bit of space for himself. It doesn't happen from defenders if you're stationary.”

Duran has been deployed out wide in recent weeks to accommodate fellow new addition Hogh. While both would prefer to play more central, O’Neill is now tasked with getting the best out of both while keeping them happy. The last time Duran started through the middle domestically, Celtic put seven past rivals Hearts and he bagged three goal contributions, therefore fans will be hoping his display at the Falkirk Stadium was an uncharacteristic blip rather than cause for concern.

‘Brilliant weekend’ for title race rivals

In a week where title race rivals Rangers faced a tough trip to Tynecastle and skipped a league game because of Premier Sports Cup action, Bonner believes they are the real winners this weekend as Celtic failed to extend the gap at the top. The Hoops remain four points ahead at the top, but now their rivals have a game in hand.

He continued: “Martin O’Neill has a job to keep managing this team because now they've got a defeat in the league, it's a brilliant weekend for Rangers, you've got to say, they're in the Cup final and Celtic getting beat allows them, when they play their game, to close the gap and that then puts huge pressure on to Celtic, who’ve also got European games coming up.”