CUT THE BHOY SOME SLACK

Forget price tag, says Grant as he backs Engels to prove worth

- BY RYAN MCDONALD

HE might be Celtic's record signing, but Arne Engels has spent more time warming the bench than lighting up Parkhead this season.

Peter Grant, though, is adamant the out-of-favour Belgian will eventually prove his worth.

And the Hoops icon has urged fans to forget about the midfielder's whopping £1 1million price tag.

Engels, 22, has endured a frustrating campaign after slipping down the pecking order behind summer arrival Benjamin Nygren.

The ex-Augsburg playmaker has started just four of his 10 appearances and a rare run-out against Hibs at the weekend came and went without much impact.

For some supporters, patience is running thin with a player once tipped for the top of the Bundesliga.

Even after producing 23 goal contributions last term, the jury has remained out.

Now a fringe player, questions linger over whether Engels will ever fulfil his potential in Glasgow.

But Grant reckons the four-times capped Belgium international has been harshly judged.

Grant said: “It’s been quite a difficult season for Engels. If you're not playing you end up lacking that little bit of confidence.

“What you end up doing is taking that extra touch to make sure everything's perfect, instead of playing with freedom. Then you get caught in possession and the ball bobbles off you because you're thinking too much about it.