ANGE Postecoglou has expressed confidence that Celtic can cope without their talismanic centre half Cameron Carter-Vickers and complete a world record eighth domestic treble in the coming weeks.
Carter-Vickers was immense for the Parkhead club in their 1-0 win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday and picked up the Man of the Match award at the end of the 90 minutes.
But Postecoglou revealed afterwards it would be the last match the United States internationalist plays this season as he is set to undergo surgery on a long-standing knee problem.
The loss of the £6m summer signing at this stage of the 2022/23 campaign is a blow to Celtic.
They will retain the cinch Premiership if they beat Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday and will round off a clean sweep of domestic silverware if they defeat Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup final in June.
But their Greek-Australian manager has dealt with the extended absences of key players like Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota during his two years in this country and is certain Yuki Kobayashi can step up and grasp his chance.
Japan Under-20 internationalist Kobayashi has only made four first team appearances since completing a free transfer from Vissel Kobe in his homeland in January.
However, Postecoglou was impressed with how the 22-year-old played in the wins over St Mirren, Morton, Hearts and Kilmarnock and is sure he will perform well.
"I think we will be alright,” he said. “We have had to cope without Cam before. Kobayashi has played a couple of games and done really well and he has an opportunity.
“It's a testament to the squad. You saw on Sunday when Alistair Johnston went down and Tony Ralston came in. He hasn't played in a while and in a big game he just fits in and does what he needs to do.
“That's the mindset of the group. We have had some pretty significant absences this year. At different times we have had Carl (Starfelt) and Cam out at the same time.
“Cal has been out. Jota and Reo have been out for quite a bit of time. But the group keeps going."
Postecoglou added: “We have made enormous progress in the last 20-odd months. It is incredible to see where we have come from and where we are now.
“We haven't done the job yet, but we have an opportunity in the next month to do something special.
“I think when people reflect on what has happened in the last two years they will truly understand what a fantastic and enormous effort it has been from everyone."
