Celtic’s forgotten man Christian Gamboa is anticipating the World Cup, mostly as it will provide with the chance to be on the pitch again.
The Costa Rican right back last appearance was in a goalless draw at Celtic Park in February against St. Johnstone. Central defender Jack Hendry was just signed from Dundee and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers preferred to play his new acquisition as a make-shift right back when Mikael Lustig was out or rested, rather than let Gamboa play the game.
Goodluck at your new club Christian Gamboa
— Temitope (@Temmyreel) May 26, 2018
“The World Cup has come at the ideal moment for me. It’s a relief to be able to play after a very difficult season,” Gamboa stated.
“For me, I’ve done everything I possibly can to get to Russia. I always tried to give my best at Celtic, but they have made their decision and the manager decided he didn’t want to use me at all this season.
“I need to look at the situation after the World Cup.
“Despite the lack of games, I feel fit and ready and prepared. I think we have a good team and are ready to surprise people at this tournament.
“The first match is going to be very important and I hope I can play in it.”
So it looks like the player – who has always looked decent enough when called up – will be looking to impress in Russia to get himself suitors that will take him away from Celtic.
Gamboa’s misfortune has actually been as a result of a slight change in the system that Celtic used this season. Kieran Tierney has been effectively shoved forward on the left – his engine is such that it is capable of getting back too – but the insurance is that the right-back is a more defensive role these days, so Celtic have 3 at the back when Kieran Tierney is pushing forward.
Gamboa plays the attacking right back position, thus the reluctance to play him more often as Rodgers has preferred defensively minded Lustig with Hendry as cover.