Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas hasn’t done a great deal wrong since arriving from AEK Athens in the summer for £4.5m.
The Greek international could be blamed for one of the goals in the defeat to Ferencvaros and, perhaps, the first Rangers goal on Saturday. However, other than that, mistakes have been few and far between. Even so, he hasn’t stood out or made any outstanding saves.
It has left some supporters to ponder whether Barkas should be dropped for Scott Bain instead, to see whether the Scottish international can make a difference. It caused a lively debate on Twitter:
Ridiculous. Barkas has been good so far
— Conor (@CoillnagColpach) October 18, 2020
If Bain is the answer, we’re in a bigger mess than we all think
— John Wood (@johnrw1979) October 18, 2020
Id give bain a chance
— Stephen (@Twisticised) October 18, 2020
Barkas isnt to blame for Saturday. Fans need to stop this scapegoating and realise that there are fundamental flaws with the entire team and our approach. We have the personnel we just dont seem to have the organization or leadership right now.
— Liam Carrigan (@Liam6783) October 18, 2020
He deserves a chance , barkas needs to know he isn’t there unless he merits a place
— i.wanna.be.edouard (@davidmoore19882) October 19, 2020
Nonsense. We were spoiled by FF last season. We won’t see a goalkeeping idplay like that gain for years, if ever. Give Barkas time to settle and play a regular 3 or 4 in front of him.
— Jonny W (@johnnywatt) October 19, 2020
Bain not a number 1 but Barkas and I hate saying it looks poor. He isn’t commanding, looks weak & should of saved 1st but imo 2nd I think most keepers make themselves big and throw themselves when ball drops to goldson but he stays on his line so arguably that gets saved.
— The truth (@Thetrut54051138) October 19, 2020
If it makes Barkas play better then I’m all for it. Competition is healthy.
— Jock (@Jocksbhoys) October 19, 2020
He’s not convinced me yet tbh….has no presence….but I wouldn’t write him off he’s not been at the club long enough
— Lesley ????????????? (@lesley27171) October 19, 2020
At this stage, it would be a big surprise if manager Neil Lennon was even contemplating dropping his number one. He has made just 13 appearances so far for his new club which isn’t enough to make a judgement about his abilities.
Barkas will probably be given a few months more to convince fans that he can be a decent successor to Fraser Forster, but we shall see what happens in the coming weeks.