Former Aston Villa Martin O'Neill ally fights corner of boss while offering Celtic defence some home truths
Former Villa striker says he’d ‘love to play against’ Hoops stopper
Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor can’t understand why there’s pressure on his former gaffer Martin O’Neill at Celtic as he reckons the current Hoops defence is partly responsible for their poor run of results.
The former Aston Villa striker - who worked under O’Neill during his four years at Villa Park - accused doubters of his old boss of having short memories, given that he steered them to a domestic double last season. After three defeats on the spin in the Celtic dugout, the 74-year old is taking time during the extended international break to ‘reflect’ and assess his future at the club.
Having conceded seven goals in their last three games - four of which to bitter rivals Rangers without reply - defence has become an area of concern for Hoops fans in recent weeks. Centre backs Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales started in the recent 1-0 home defeat to Rangers. Agbonlahor claims as an ex-striker, he’d ‘love’ to play against the latter in his current from as he also assessed the other two stoppers. Speaking on TalkSPORT, out of form left back Kieran Tierney was also questioned.
Agbonlahor sticks up for O’Neill as pressure mounts
He told Hoops-daft colleague Alan Brazil: “Do not forget the job he did last season. Don’t forget how good Celtic were under Martin O’Neill last season in the sense he came back and brought it back and got it over the line. Is he not allowed a rough spell? He’s lost three games in a week, I get it.
“But they’re still two points clear at the top. After what Martin O’Neill did last season when he came back to help the club out, surely he’s allowed to get a bit more time. If you lose to Rangers then you just deserve to go?!”
During multiple spells last season, O’Neill helped steady the ship during times of uncertainty, taking the reins from both Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. For the first time in his recent Celtic career, the Hoops boss is now tasked with tidying up his own mess as Celtic prepare for some tough post-international break fixtures.
Agbonlahor on Hoops player he’d ‘love to play against’
He continued: You look at some of the performances. I look at Celtic now and I think, Kieran Tierney - he’s alright going forward, I look at Scales and I’m like he’s the sort of defender I’d love to play against. You just know you can run in behind and he can’t run. (Auston) Trusty, he’s okay and has been in and out of the team. (Cameron) Carter Vickers doesn’t look at it. The right-back options as well. Defensively, you can get at Celtic.”
Brazil added: “What about the midfield? It’s garbage. I don’t like slagging people off but the midfield is garbage. No legs and no fight. You think of Roy Keane, Roy Aitken, my old captain, Scott Brown, another one. Even if you aren’t playing well they would be getting into each other’s faces and the other players. Second best, soft and no fight.”
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