Scottish champions Celtic are currently smarting following their recent Champions League defeat away in Germany on Wednesday evening, with the Parkhead outfit having once again come up short in what’s been a somewhat frustrating start to the group stage.
One sub-plot from that 3-1 loss to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig was the first meaningful appearance in a Hoops shirt for summer signing Oliver Abildgaard, with the defensive-minded midfielder entering the fray just before the break as a result of Callum McGregor’s injury.
The Danish giant had previously made just a solitary appearance since his deadline day arrival from Russian outfit Rubin Kazan on a season-long loan deal, with that outing having come as a late substitute in the final minute of Saturday’s triumph over Motherwell.
With little game time under his belt in recent months amid his fight to get up to speed fitness-wise, it was no doubt something of a risk for manager Ange Postecoglou to thrust the 26-year-old into the action in Saxony.
In truth, it was a gamble that the former Yokohama boss simply had to make as the aforementioned McGregor pulled up with a knee issue after making a rare error in the build-up to Christopher Nkunku’s opener, with alternatives having been limited amid Aaron Mooy’s injury woes.
While it represented a “big challenge” for Abildgaard – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – to try and replace the Bhoys’ stricken skipper, the imposing menace seemingly rose to that challenge, putting in an assured display despite the eventual loss.
Although seemingly a different type of player to that of the Scotland international as a result of his towering, 6 foot 4 frame, the £6.3m-rated machine offers a potentially more defensive-minded option at the base of the midfield, as he notably won 100% of his aerial duels on the night.
That solid display also saw the one-cap colossus win four of his seven ground duels and record an impressive four tackles, with only Leipzig hero, Nkunku having matched that tally for either side.
While it is yet to be seen just how long McGregor will be out for, it seemingly “doesn’t look good” for the 29-year-old at present, according to Postecoglou, with a place in the side potentially up for grabs amid his expected absence.
The Celtic academy graduate will definitely be unavailable for this weekend’s trip to St Johnstone due to suspension, with that seemingly providing the perfect opportunity for Abildgaard to showcase his talent with a first start for the club, having no doubt earned a full debut following that encouraging showing in midweek.