Celtic warned against relying on free agent signing to save their silverware blushes as demand put to squad

Celtic have been cautioned against pinning their trophy hopes on a recent free-agent recruit, with insiders insisting the squad—not one late arrival—must shoulder responsibility for rescuing the club’s silverware push. The warning comes as the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder edges toward a first start in Sunday’s Premiership meeting with Hibernian after two eye-catching cameo outings off the bench.

While the 30-something’s instant impact has fuelled optimism among supporters, club sources stress that over-reliance on the newcomer could paper over deeper issues within the dressing room. With pressure mounting after a stuttering start to 2024, Celtic’s hierarchy want every member of the first-team pool to prove their worth rather than expect a solitary saviour to reverse fortunes.

The midfielder, signed on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign, is expected to be handed his full debut at Easter Road, yet coaching staff have reiterated that collective standards must rise if Celtic are to remain in contention for domestic honours. Sunday’s fixture now carries added significance as the champions attempt to close the gap at the top and keep their trophy ambitions alive.