Brendan confirms reason for Carter-Vickers absence at Rugby Park | OneFootball

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he decided against risking Cameron Carter-Vickers for the win over Kilmarnock. The Scottish Champions had to be robust at the back as their defensive stalwart was omitted from the Matchday squad as a precaution.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Irishman confirmed that there was no fresh injury but some fatigue in his hamstring which made the manager decide against playing him on the Rugby Park astroturf.

“He’s ok, clearly not perfect unless he would have been here today. But had three games over a short period of time after being out for a little period.

“So he had Dundee, Aberdeen and Red Bull Leipzig in close proximity in terms of games. He just felt a little bit of fatigue in his hamstring in terms of the work we have put into him.

“But nothing serious but we didn’t want to risk anything today and he’ll be ready for Hearts when we get back.”

Celtic won 2-0 but conceded a number of chances at the back, requiring the woodwork and Kasper Schmeichel to keep Derek McInnes’ side at bay.

Brendan appears to have settled on a preferred pairing of Carter-Vickers and his compatriot Trusty. Scales has been excellent since being brought into the side under Rodgers last season, seldom putting a foot wrong; however, given that Celtic paid £6m to the services of Trusty, it was always expected that he would be in the starting XI with Carter-Vickers.

While Trusty goes away on USMNT duty, Carter-Vickers will be looking to continue working towards the meeting against Hearts at Tynecastle, which will be closely followed by the game against Club Brugge at Paradise.