Barry Ferguson hammers Celtic summer signing Vasilis Barkas

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Barry Ferguson has told Open Goal’s Keeping The Ball On The Ground podcast that he is yet to see Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas produce a proper save – after he failed to keep out Callum McGregor’s own goal against Rangers.

Despite dominating the match, Celtic suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox as James Tavernier’s corner flicked off McGregor into the back of the net. A sprawling Barkas dived to his right, but his momentum was going to the left.

Barkas, 26, was given the nod by Neil Lennon despite losing his place to both Scott Bain and Conor Hazard on occasion this season. Certainly, the Greece international has failed to live up to his £4.5million (Sun) price tag.

Speaking about Barkas during Celtic’s loss to Rangers – a defeat which sees Rangers go 19 points cleat at the top of the Premiership table – Ferguson hammered the goalkeeper, claiming he is yet to see him make a “proper save”.

“I’ve not seen him make a save,” Ferguson said. “Like a proper save, a team under pressure for 10/15 minutes and make two or three saves. I’m still waiting for that. Maybe he thinks Callum McGregor is heading it away.”

TBR’s view – Stats wise, Barkas is actually doing well

In his 19 appearances for Celtic, Barkas has conceded a goal at a ratio of once every match – keeping an impressive nine clean sheets. Certainly, looking at his stats, Barkas has done well and does not deserve the criticism.

However, when Celtic are so far behind Rangers – criticism is inevitable. Barkas has also had to step into the very large boots of Fraser Forster, who is a favourite at Celtic and was ultimately second choice to the Southampton star.

£10,500-a-week stopper (Sportime) Barkas has done alright, but not as good as required.