McAvennie impressed by Celtic player who ‘absolutely battered’ Balogun | OneFootball

Frank McAvennie has heaped praise on Celtic defender Diego Laxalt and claimed he has been the victim of over-rotation this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Parkhead legend said the 28-year-old “battered” Rangers defender Leon Balogun in the first half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

It was Laxalt’s 24th appearance since moving to Celtic Park on a season-long loan deal from AC Milan in October.

He lost the ball 17 times over the course of the 90 minutes, but played an influential role in Celtic’s attacks down the left-hand side in the first half. (Sofascore)

McAvennie claimed the Bhoys have rotated too often at left-back this season and suggested Laxalt’s form has suffered as a consequence.

“I thought he did well for the most-part against Rangers,” he told Football Insider. “In the second-half, he was at it right away.

“In the first half, he absolutely battered Balogun down that left-hand side and it ended with the big boy being taken off. Laxalt was key to that. There was a lot of players running by him, they did well.

“I think Laxalt had a decent game. He is just one of them, no-nonsense.

“It is a difficult one with Laxalt because it must be hard for him coming into this team.

“The biggest problem is that they keep chopping and changing at left-back. One week it’s Taylor and the next it is Laxalt and it is for no reason.

“I am a great believer in keeping the same XI out there. I feel like there’s been too much chopping and changing this season.”

In other news, Whelan rips into Everton loanee Kenny after he was shown up at Celtic Park.