I think it’s fair to say that Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon hasn’t had the greatest of seasons so far this term.

At times he seems to lack the required concentration levels needed in the biggest of games especially in European competition.

Even though no one has conceded fewer in the Scottish Premiership, Gordon has still looked a wee bit ropey in Scotland’s top flight on occasions. The keeper and the defence simply weren’t good enough yesterday as they were crushed 4-0 by Hearts, ending the Hoops 69 game unbeaten run.

It’s funny to think that Chelsea were heavily linked the Scottish international just eleven months ago but at the moment he seems distracted and not at his best.

Maybe Gordon’s form will have Brendan Rodgers thinking that he needs to change things in-between the sticks at Celtic Park.

Firstly, I should say that I don’t think veteran keeper Dorus de Vries is the best option. The Dutchman seems an able back-up at best.

With that in mind, I’ve decided to checkout four keepers who may be in Rodgers mind, if he’s thinking of bringing in a new goalie.

CONOR HAZARD

The nineteen year old Northern Irishman has just penned a new four year deal at Celtic Park. He’s currently the Hoops third choice goalkeeper and registered in Celtic’s European squad.

Hazard has impressed in the developmental squad at Lennoxtown and he made his senior bow during last summers preseason schedule.

Brendan Rodgers isn’t scared to fling in the younger players if he feels they are good enough. It could be the way to do things to really give Craig a kick up the backside. Then you could bring back the international goalie and see if the rest gets the best back out of the current number one.

It would definitely stir things up at Parkhead and the fans would back seeing a young prospect get his chance in the first team.

JOE LEWIS

The Aberdeen keeper has been great since he moved to Pittodrie in the summer of 2016. Many actually consider the former England youth international the best goalie in Scotland right now.

At 6ft 5, Lewis certainly has the stature to intimidate opponents and cover his goal frame successfully. He’s a terrific shot-stopper and he gives those in front of him plenty of confidence.

Obviously knows the Scottish game well and would settle in easily at Parkhead.

Having just signed contract extension to stay with the Dons until 2020, it would cost Rodgers to bring the keeper to Glasgow.

DANNY WARD

Could Brendan Rodgers return to Liverpool to find a new keeper of the gloves?

Danny Ward is probably too good to be considered a third choice goalkeeper now. Yet he can’t seem to get beyond either Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius at Anfield. He’s made just two Premier League appearances for the club (that was back in 2016) and just once in the League Cup this term.

Ward impressed during a loan spell with Aberdeen, so much so that Liverpool recalled him after just six months. He also went out on loan to Huddersfield Town last season and he was their number one as they won promotion to the Premier League. His performances out on loan won him international recognition with Wales, he has four caps and starred in his nation’s first game of Euro 2016. 

The twenty four year old would come in looking to be a starter at Celtic. He’s very talented and he’ll be hungry to prove himself as a number one!

MICHEL VORM

Vorm is the same age as Craig Gordon, so why would Brendan want to replace one thirty four year old with another?

Well the Dutchman has two major attributes that the current Hoops main keeper doesn’t. That’s confidence with the ball at his feet and superb distribution. Celtic supporters often have their hearts in their mouths when Gordon gets the ball played back to him or is about to play a short pass out of defence.

Rodgers is a big fan of the sweeper keeper and Vorm is much more suited to that role. The international goalkeeper likes rushing out making clearances and is capable of playing the ball out from his box.

Vorm and Rodgers enjoyed a great working relationship when they worked together at Swansea City in the 2011-12 season.

Vorm has always been very complimentary when discussing Rodgers:

‘I’ve worked with him for a year and he’s the best manager I’ve worked with’

The veteran shot-stopper, and he’s very good in that department too, has been behind Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham Hotspur pecking order for the past few years. His contract runs out in the summer and maybe Spurs will do a cut-price deal in January. Tottenham’s boss Mauricio Pochettino has said in the past that Vorm has deserved more during his time in North London and might let the keeper go early as a reward for his loyalty. Plus Pochettino also has Paolo Gazzaniga as another strong back-up at the Lilywhites.

Posted on December 18th, 2017 by scott
Filed under: Article