Celtic insider Peter Grant has suggested that Haissem Hassan's recent absence from the squad may have been sparked by his reaction to being substituted against Besiktas, rather than an injury.
The £6million summer recruit from Real Oviedo was dropped from the squad for the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock ahead of the international break. Manager Martin O'Neill put the decision down to competition for places.
Reaction on the Touchline
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant said he saw Hassan walking off during the Besiktas game and questioned whether he was in a "huff" because he got so little time. Grant, a regular on club media channel 'Celtic Player', said he was "a bit disappointed" by what he saw.
Grant noted that O'Neill's comments about competition for spots suggested Hassan was not injured, as the manager would usually mention an injury if one had occurred.
Competition for Places
Jota and Camilo Duran started in wide areas against Kilmarnock, with Kasper Hogh leading the line. James Forrest, Yang and Sebastian Tounekti came off the bench, and Callum Osmand also appeared as a substitute to play on the flank.
Grant said: "If he's walking off in a huff, I agree with Martin. Because I don't like that either. You're in the team together. It's not all about you."
Looking Ahead
Hassan was a top target for Celtic last summer, with the club tracking him since his performance in the last 16 of the World Cup against Argentina. He has struggled to hold down a regular spot in O'Neill's starting line-up since his arrival.
Grant added that with players like Yang and Jota returning, the squad is set to push for more, and Hassan will need to show commitment to earn his place back.
