Peter Grant claims English clubs were put off Celtic stand-in captain Cameron Carter-Vickers over his height.
The American international is a key player for manager Ange Postecoglou and has shone ever since arriving on loan from Tottenham on loan last year. He is now a permanent Hoops player after a number of loans away from Spurs but Grant - who was a coach at fellow London clubs Fulham and West Ham while Carter-Vickers was in the city - says there was some fears over him
He claimed on Go Radio that not being a towering defender went against the Celtic star, but is now creating a promising defensive partnership with one of his former Fulham starlets, Moritz Jenz. The former Parkhead player said: "I was at West Ham and Fulham so I had seen a lot of Cam. He'd been out on loan and it is always difficult. He's not your typical centre-back down there.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou's detailed insight to Celtic job offer as he opens up on Dermot Desmond talks
"He's not 6ft4, you go to non-league and they are all that height, or whatever every centre-back. So everybody had that sort of trepidation with him.
"He was always a solid defender. I think he has grown this year. He doesn't take chances and is a proper centre-back. The last European night (v RB Leipzig) I thought he was outstanding. Him and Jenz are getting a partnership together.
"Jenz still makes mistakes. He has they moments of switching off and he can't afford to do that in Europe as he will be punished. What Jenz does offer is use of the ball from the back which helps Celtic's midfield and the way they play."
READ NEXT:
- Ange Postecoglou reacts to Celtic Euro exit as he outlines 'task and challenge' going forward
- Real Madrid to hit Celtic with full power as RB Leipzig shock leaves them needing Bernabeu victory
- Nick Walsh handed Rangers match role after Celtic controversy as the next VAR officials named
