Celtic told to replace Barkas with ‘world-class’ keeper after £3m+ move – Scottish pundit

Alex McLeish has claimed Celtic must sign a new goalkeeper after Vasilis Barkas’ blunder against Midtjylland.

The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Ange Postecoglou needs a “world-class” keeper to close the gap to Rangers.

Barkas, 27, has come under fire after his error allowed Midtjylland to score in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw.

Midtjylland equalise through a howler from Barkas! 😮

“It’s a horrendous mistake from the goalkeeper, I’m sorry.” 🗣️

Celtic’s goalkeeping concerns continue 😬 pic.twitter.com/aFxbJTc4dL

— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) July 20, 2021

The shot-stopper came out and flapped at, but ultimately missed, the ball as Evander’s free-kick sailed into the net.

The Greece international was widely criticised for his performances last season after his £3million-plus move.

McLeish suggested Scott Bain could now push for a starting role.

However, he admitted Celtic just needed to sign a top-quality goalkeeper.

McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It is a critical and crucial part of the team.

“International goalies can save you 15 points, world-class keepers can save you 20-plus. That’s why a goalkeeper nowadays is so costly. It’s why the top teams buy the best possible goalie that they can get.

“Celtic still have this little dilemma about who’s the number one between the sticks. Postecoglou, I noticed, wasn’t critical of him. That probably helped the goalkeeper in terms of worrying about it too much.

“Quite simply, they just have to bring in a better level.

“If you’re in a rut as a goalkeeper then I’m afraid it’s going to be very, very difficult. For Postecoglou, at the moment, he’s thinking who’s my number one.

“I know he likes to play out from the back. Bain can do that as well.”

Barkas has played 23 times for Celtic, conceding 22 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets.

However, he only featured four times in the league between January and May last term.

In other news, McLeish gutted after update on Celtic starlet “Postecoglou’s raving about”.

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