OVER FOR MICK

Says Bert Mitchell

WAS last night Stephen McManus’s Celtic swansong? It may be an unpalatable truth, but the questions over the club captain’s ability to cut it in the European arena have surely been answered.

The last time Celtic conceded three goals was against Falkirk in the SPL in the first weekend of November with McManus dovetailing with Gary Caldwell at the heart of the Hoops’ rearguard.

More damningly all of these goals came after Glenn Loovens was substituted by the Celtic captain. Last night Mick made his first-team return, but it was no good night in Vienna as Rapid struck three times.

In a European context, McManus distribution from the back has never been up to par, while his tendency to administer rash challenges is a liability.

Out for so long, his confidence looks shot. It might be the case that pastures new are needed for him to regain his self-belief.

Tony Mowbray must know that if his Celtic side are to progress in a European context, playing McManus is now a no-no.

#

FROZEN-OUT MARK

Says Alison McConnell

There were a few fringe players who didn’t do themselves any harm at all last night, with Niall McGinn the obvious candidate to make a case for regular inclusion in Tony Mowbray’s first-team.

But for the likes of Willo Flood and even Mark Wilson, the writing appears to be on the wall for them so far as their Celtic careers are concerned.

Both will feel somewhat hard done by given that chances to impress under the new manager have been fleeting and Wilson, in particular, has shown that he is more than capable of performing at a decent level with Celtic.

It looks, however, as though Andrius Hinkel is the top choice and at this stage of his career Wilson has to be playing regularly.

Celtic desperately need some reinforcements in the January transfer window with a central defender the obvious priority.

Funding new signings has to come from somewhere and if the club can free up some wages then it means there will be those who have to move on.