Frank McAvennie has launched a blazing attack on Celtic’s defensive situation and says the answer is already at the club. The former Parkhead hero insists Brendan Rodgers must throw young defender Benjamin Arthur straight into the first team, declaring the club already have the solution to their backline woes.
The 1980s goal machine didn’t hold back: “Get him in the team. Simple as that.”
Celtic splashed cash and brought in six new faces in January, yet McAvennie believes none of them fix the real problem. While new boys like Julian Araujo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain grab headlines, the ex-striker says the club are sleeping on a homegrown gem who is ready right now.
McAvennie Lays Down the Challenge
Speaking on a football phone-in, the 65-year-old fired shots at the current defensive setup.
He said the team look shaky at the back far too often this season. Clean sheets have been rare, and individual mistakes keep costing points.
“Brendan has good players, but something isn’t clicking,” McAvennie told listeners. “I watch Benjamin Arthur in the reserves and the boy has everything. Strong, quick, reads the game like a veteran. He’s 19 going on 29.”
The Hoops icon added that Celtic’s tradition is built on giving kids a chance when they deserve it. He name-checked legends like Paul McStay and Danny McGrain who broke through young.
“Why buy more players when you’ve got one ready in the building?” he asked. “Get him in the team before someone else does.”
Who Exactly is Benjamin Arthur?
The Ghanaian-born centre-back joined Celtic’s academy from Chelsea in 2023 and has rocketed through the ranks.
Standing 6ft 3in, Arthur dominates in the air and stays calm on the ball. Lowland League coaches say he is the best defender they have seen at that level in years.
This season alone he has:
- Captained the B team
- Won Player of the Month twice
- Kept 11 clean sheets in 18 appearances
- Scored three goals from set-pieces
Rodgers has already taken him on the first-team training camp to Portugal and gave him minutes in a closed-door friendly against Ayr United. Insiders say the manager rates him highly but worries about throwing him in during a title race.
Yet McAvennie insists the risk is worth it.
“Look what happening with Liam Scales last season,” he said. “Nobody expected him to play every week, then he became one of our best players. Benjamin is better than Liam was at the same age.”
January Business Has Been Attack-Heavy
Celtic did reinforce the squad last month, but almost everything arrived in forward areas.
Here’s how the new signings have started:
- Julian Araujo (RB) – Instant hit at right-back, two assists already
- Tomas Cvancara (ST) – Two goals in four games, physical presence
- Junior Adamu (ST) – Dramatic Scottish Cup winner on debut
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CM) – Class on the ball, still building fitness
- Joel Mvuka (Winger) – Electric substitute appearances
- One more unnamed loan – Still to make impact
Fans love the attacking options. But goals conceded away at Aberdeen, Hearts, and in Europe show the defence remains the soft spot.
Carter-Vickers and Scales are the first-choice pair when fit, but injuries and dips in form have exposed a lack of depth. Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki have failed to convince, while Stephen Welsh keeps picking up niggles.
Fans Are Split – But the Noise is Growing
Social media exploded after McAvennie’s comments.
Some supporters want Rodgers to stick with experience during the run-in. Others agree it’s time to blood the youngster, especially with the title almost secured and big Champions League games coming next season.
One popular tweet read: “MacAvennie speaking facts. Arthur has been different class for the B team. Give the boy his debut at home to St Mirren. Parkhead will take him to the heart immediately.”
Another fan posted a clip of Arthur winning every header in a reserve game with the caption: “This is the future. Trust it.”
The pressure is building on Rodgers to at least put Arthur on the bench for the next league match.
Celtic fans live for moments when a kid from the academy pulls on the hoops and makes the jersey his own. From Henrik’s debut to Kieran Tierney charging down the wing, those stories are written into the club’s soul.
Benjamin Arthur stands on the brink of becoming the next chapter. Frank McAvennie has thrown down the gauntlet. Now it’s over to Brendan Rodgers.
Will he listen to a Hoops legend and unleash the wildcard?
Tell us in the comments – should Benjamin Arthur start the next game? Drop your thoughts below.
