Andy Halliday Has Already Made His £12m Verdict — But the Former Rangers Man Has a Celtic Problem

Andy Halliday appears to have made his mind up about Celtic.

The former Rangers midfielder has already questioned Celtic’s recruitment and, in particular, the impact of £12million striker Kasper Høgh.

He has also suggested Martin O’Neill’s approach against Rangers showed Celtic were “scared”.

Strong words.

But there is an obvious problem with rushing to conclusions about Celtic’s new signings while the entire team is struggling for rhythm, confidence and consistency.

Celtic Have Bigger Problems Than One Signing

Nobody should pretend Celtic’s recent performances have been acceptable.

They haven’t.

O’Neill’s side have looked disjointed at times and Celtic’s recruitment deserves scrutiny. When substantial money is spent, supporters are entitled to expect results.

But there is a difference between legitimate scrutiny and reaching a verdict before a player has been given a proper opportunity to establish himself.

That is particularly true of a striker.

Forwards depend on service, movement around them and a functioning attacking system. If Celtic are struggling collectively, isolating Høgh and presenting him as evidence of failed recruitment is far too simplistic.

Halliday’s “Scared” Celtic Claim

Halliday’s suggestion that Celtic looked scared of Rangers is arguably even more interesting.

Celtic can be criticised for being cautious.

O’Neill can be criticised for his selection and tactics.

But “scared” is an interpretation rather than a fact.

And Celtic supporters don’t need a former Rangers midfielder to tell them when their team hasn’t performed.

They have been among the loudest critics themselves.

The difference is that criticism should be based on what is actually happening at Celtic rather than reaching for the most provocative description available.

Celtic Must Answer Critics on the Pitch

There is, however, only one way Celtic can make these conversations disappear.

Win football matches.

Høgh needs to score goals. The other new arrivals need to contribute. O’Neill needs to find a settled side and Celtic need to start playing with the authority supporters expect.

If that doesn’t happen, criticism of the recruitment department will become increasingly difficult to dispute.

But Celtic’s season will not be defined by Andy Halliday’s verdict in September.

It will be defined by what these players do over the months ahead.

Perhaps Høgh ultimately proves to be poor value. Perhaps Celtic’s recruitment again deserves serious criticism.

But those conclusions should come from evidence.

Not impatience.

And certainly not because the loudest verdict makes the best headline.

Key Takeaways

• Andy Halliday has questioned Celtic’s recruitment and the impact of Kasper Høgh.
• The former Rangers midfielder has also suggested Celtic looked “scared” against Rangers.
• Celtic’s performances deserve criticism, but it is premature to reach definitive conclusions about new signings.
• Høgh and Celtic now have the opportunity to answer that criticism where it matters — on the pitch.