Pundit Alan Hutton thinks Celtic summer signing Carl Starfelt will be axed by Ange Postecoglou over the coming months, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Starfelt’s start

Starfelt was one of four centre-backs to arrive at Parkhead over the summer, costing the Hoops £4.5m.

The 26-year-old left Rubin Kazan, where he was a big earner on £14,000-a-week to move to Glasgow, and he has been a regular this season.

Starfelt has made 15 appearances in all competitions and has partnered Cameron Carter-Vickers in recent weeks.

However, Christopher Jullien, according to a Celtic source, is on the recovery trail from injury but isn’t expected to return before the end of the month.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Hutton, who regularly features for BBC, was talking to Football Insider following the update on Jullien.

He believes that when Jullien is fully fit, Postecoglou will go with the Frenchman and Carter-Vickers, leaving no room for Starfelt.

“It’s been a tough start to the season for him.

“Then getting left out of the Sweden squad. You know it’s because you’re not performing at club level. That’s the only reason behind it.

“You look at the likes of Jullien coming back soon. It’s been a problem area for them. Bringing in two new signings in Carter-Vickers and Starfelt, it’s been a tough start for them.

“You would think that Jullien will come back and hopefully settle the ship for them. It’s whoever is going to play alongside.

“I would go for Carter-Vickers. I think he can be solid. He will be a better player playing next to someone experienced.”

The Verdict: A possibility?

If Hutton’s prediction regarding Jullien coming straight back in proves accurate, perhaps it could be Starfelt to make way.

When it comes to Starfelt and Carter-Vickers, the latter of the two has been the more impressive.

He’s recorded a better match rating, averaged more tackles and clearances and concedes fewer fouls in the Scottish Premiership. [WhoScored]

However, you have to take into consideration that Jullien hasn’t played in 2021, so it’s unlikely he’ll play every minute when fully fit and Postecoglou will look to ease him back into action.

In other news: Ange could now lose 'resilient' Celtic ace for key games after break as worrying news emerges.