With only two days until the transfer window closes and with Celtic seemingly running out of ideas when it comes to finding an ‘oven ready’ experienced player for the title run-in are we possibly overlooking someone right under our noses?
With the wide areas now appearing light for Celtic following the departures of Scotty Sinclair and Lewis Morgan, coupled with a lack of trust, game time or both for Maryan Shved and Daniel Arzani, the Hoops have been linked with the a few alternatives.
Hibernian’s Martin Boyle, veteran Polish international winger Kamil Grosickiin and Bristol City’s Niclas Eliasson have all been flagged up as possibilities in the last few days. It is clearly an area of the squad we’ve been trying to address. So far without success.
As time runs out Lenny has hinted his transfer dealings may be done, would it be worth looking into the loan market and gambling on a loan deal to the end of the season for a Celtic old Bhoy?
Aiden McGeady is currently persona non grata at Sunderland following a fall out with mananger Phil Parkinson. He has 18 months on his contract and he has been told in no uncertain terms that he needs to be finding himself a new club. Would a short term deal suit both parties? The winger has been exiled by Parkinson, and is training with the Black Cats’ under-23 side having been told he is free to find a new club during the winter window.
Neil Lennon knows the player well having played with and managed McGeady and it was Lennon who rebuilt a squad around the player’s multi million pound sale in 2011.
Getting used to his surroundings or adapting to Scottish football wouldn’t be an issue that could affect foreign acquisitions or players not used to the pressures of a big club. At 33 years of age it wouldn’t be a long term solution but there remains more than enough natural talent allied to a great deal of experience for McGeady to make an impact on the Scottish League as a supporting cast at least.
He can play both left and right wing and even off the striker if required. If we need someone to tide us over, who wouldn’t cost a transfer fee and who wouldn’t break the bank for wages then McGeady could well be that player. It is unlikely Sunderland would be in a position to or even want to drive a hard bargain.
McGeady is settled in the North East of England but it wouldn’t expend too much brain power to decide a return to Paradise would be worth the daily commute from Tee-side at least until the summer.
He has been strongly linked with a deal in the Unites States MLS. The U.S transfer window however doesn’t open until February 12th and Celtic could have an advantage of offering a loan deal to Sunderland and McGeady by Friday night. With the American Window not actually closing until May McGeady could well still explore the opportunity to move Stateside later in the year.
Phil Parkinson said earlier this week that he remained ‘hopeful’ that the winger would depart Sunderland – but conceded that no concrete offers have been submitted as of yet.
With no permanent escape route in place then a temporary arrangement may well suit both Celtic and Sunderland.
How would Celtic fans feel about a short term deal that saw Aiden McGeady return to Paradise for 9 in a row?
Niall J
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