‘A waste of money’: Tam McManus not impressed with Celtic key player

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Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has been criticised by pundit Tam McManus following his display in the Hoops’ derby defeat at the weekend.

The 26-year-old joined the Premiership champions from Greek outfit AEK Athens in the summer and has established himself Neil Lennon’s first choice in between the sticks.

However, he made a big mistake for Connor Goldson’s opener at Parkhead, failing to save the Rangers defender’s downward header.

McManus told PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show: “Barkas, I mean [his] first real test, I thought was Saturday against Rangers. I think he’s horrendous at the first goal. He’s got to save that.

“I look at David Marshall, who was available on a free transfer. [He had] 12 clean sheets in a row for Wigan at the tail-end of last season and he’s just been outstanding for Scotland.

“He could’ve come up on a free. [Celtic] spent £5million on Barkas, I think it is a waste of money.”

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Barkas was chosen by Lennon in the summer to take over from Fraser Forster but so far, the Greece international has failed to truly convince at Parkhead.

Admittedly, Rangers’ second goal wasn’t really his fault – there was nothing he could have done as the ball ricocheted in the box.

However, there’s certainly more work that needs to be done, though it’s worth remembering that the player hasn’t even been here for three months yet, so he should get more time to prove himself.