Former Celtic midfielder and now pundit Peter Grant has given his verdict on Alexandro Bernabei’s departure from the club, claiming that the Hoops should have the required quality within the ranks to cope with the exit.
The vivacious left-back today completed a loan move to Brazilian top-flight side SC Internacional. He will remain in South America until the end of 2024.
Bernabei’s exit does leave somewhat of a gap within the Celtic squad. Greg Taylor is now the only senior, natural left full-back at the club.
Indeed, Grant believes some of the players from the B team need to take the bull by the horns amid the defender’s move: “I think, if Celtic have got the quality within the B squad, these are the guys that should be stepping up” he said (Go Radio Football Show – Wednesday).
“These boys are 19 and 20 years of age. If they can’t step up and be the left-back of Celtic Football Club, when it’s called upon, then we’ve got to be doing something wrong.”
In the academy just now, Magnus Mackenzie and Mitchel Frame are two standout left-backs. The latter was handed his first-team debut aged just 17 in the Champions League.
Few would be averse to throwing young Frame in at some point or another if needed although if Taylor does end up injured again, Tony Ralston is likely to be the deputy.
Although naturally a right-back, the 25-year-old came on in place of Bernabei away at Aberdeen at the beginning of February in a 1-1 draw. Ralston is capable, but supporters won’t help but feel a sense of unease if Taylor – Celtic’s sole first-team left-back – gets injured during the crucial title run-in.
