Cameron Carter-Vickers has opened up about the gruelling nine-month recovery from a torn Achilles that sidelined him for almost all of last season, as the fit-again defender sounded a warning that Celtic must strengthen their squad this summer to defend their title and compete in the Champions League.
Long Road Back After Achilles Tear
The 28-year-old US international tore his Achilles in October, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Celtic lurched from Brendan Rodgers' bombshell exit to the disastrous appointment of Wilfried Nancy, before Martin O'Neill twice answered an SOS to haul them back from the brink and mastermind an incredible league and Scottish Cup Double.
Carter-Vickers made his long-awaited injury comeback in Tuesday's friendly against Shelbourne, coming through a first-half run-out unscathed as the Hoops kicked off pre-season with a draw in Dublin. He said: "It was good, obviously. We had a little friendly at the training ground on Friday, so that was the first game. It was good, obviously, hard week training going into it, so a bit fatigued going into the game, but it's good to get some minutes."
Toughest Period of His Career
The defender admitted this was the longest injury of his career. "It's definitely the longest I've been injured. It was difficult. You want to be out there helping the team, especially with the season we had last year, you kind of want to be there with the boys and do what you can to help the team, but I just took it day by day. I was taking the small wins in terms of the rehab process, but yes, it's just something you get on with and move on with."
Watching the Title Run-In from the Stands
Carter-Vickers endured the agonising title run-in from the stands as O'Neill's side defied the odds. After a 2-0 defeat at Tannadice in March left them adrift of leaders Hearts and Rangers, O'Neill's troops staged a remarkable comeback, snatching the league crown on the final day with late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand. Carter-Vickers said: "It was crazy. If you know you're going to win it like that, that's probably the most exciting way to do it. I would have liked it to have been a bit more comfortable, but yes, crazy season. ... I think any player would definitely rather be playing than watching. You definitely feel a bit more nervous when you're not out there."
Praise for O'Neill and McGregor
Despite never kicking a ball under O'Neill due to injury, Carter-Vickers holds the Northern Irish great in high esteem. "I just think he's a really good manager, gets the best out of players and just leads the team in that way, really. When I look back at last season, I do think Callum McGregor, the captain, was very important in that as well. Just the way he leads us day in, day out. He brings energy and pushes the team forward. But yes, those two, Cal and Martin, were really important in that season. Can Martin get even more out of me? Yes, I think so. As I said, I think his biggest strength is his man-management and getting the best from players. So yes, hopefully I can do the same."
World Cup Heartbreak
The injury also cost Carter-Vickers a spot at the World Cup with the USA. He said: "To be fair, obviously I got injured back in October and I kind of knew at that point it was going to be very hard to get back fit before the end of the season. So I kind of processed that a long time ago, so I'm fine with that." He set his alarm to watch most of the USA's games, except the 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Transfer Warning: Squad Must Be Strengthened
Carter-Vickers insists it is crucial Celtic bolster their squad this summer. Colombian striker Camilo Duran will become the Hoops' first addition when he seals his £6 million switch from Qarabag. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has committed his future, while talks continue over a new deal for out-of-contract Kelechi Iheanacho. O'Neill is also keen to bring back Marcelo Saracchi, though Boca Juniors rejected another loan offer. Carter-Vickers said: "I think it's definitely important that we strengthen the squad. Obviously, there's players out of our hands, but if you're telling me there's a striker coming in, then that's good news. Like Martin said, hopefully a few more."
