Celtic boss Martin O’Neill shares latest on Cameron Carter-Vickers fitness

Martin O’Neill delivers encouraging Cameron Carter-Vickers injury update

Martin O’Neill has revealed that Cameron Carter-Vickers is making steady progress in his recovery as the Celtic defender closes in on a full return to his best following a long-term Achilles injury.

The United States international missed most of last season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Celtic’s Champions League meeting with Sturm Graz in October. His absence left a significant gap in the heart of the defence, with Liam Scales and Auston Trusty stepping in for much of the campaign.

Carter-Vickers has now featured in all four of Celtic’s pre-season friendlies and is in contention to start the Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee.

Providing an update on the centre-back’s condition, O’Neill admitted the 28-year-old is still regaining full sharpness but has been impressed by both his commitment and recovery.

The Celtic manager explained that Carter-Vickers is improving with every game and praised his mentality throughout rehabilitation. O’Neill also revealed that the coaching staff believe the defender is capable of returning to the outstanding level he showed before his injury, describing that prospect as highly encouraging.

He added that, despite not having previously managed Carter-Vickers, he has been impressed by the defender’s attitude, noting that he has missed only a couple of training sessions since returning to the squad.

The centre-back’s comeback is a major boost for Celtic ahead of the new campaign. Since making his move permanent in 2022, Carter-Vickers has established himself as one of the club’s most reliable performers, and his return brings greater stability to the defence.

His availability also allows Auston Trusty to move back into his preferred left-sided centre-back role, restoring a more natural balance to Celtic’s back line.

After months of rehabilitation from one of football’s most serious injuries, Carter-Vickers appears ready to play a key role once again. If he can quickly return to his previous standards, his comeback could feel like a major new signing as Celtic prepare for another demanding domestic and European campaign.