At midnight tonight the last opportunity to add to the squad for the 9 in a row push ends. I’ll be very glad when the whole charade ends.
It’s exciting of course to be linked with new players and the two we’ve added so far in Ismaila Soro and Patryk Klimala look to have a bit more about them that the usual tag of ‘project’.
Klimala we’ve only seen fleetingly but what we’ve seen so far raises the expectation levels and although we only have film footage of Soro to date, he clearly looks like a driving, snarling modern number six to protect the backline and drive the team up the park. If nothing else there is scope to take the likes of Calmac and Broony out the firing line with this one.
Given how the summer transfer window acquisitions worked out I’ve a lot more confidence in our scouting system than I’ve had for some time. I’m still cautious of course but Jullien, Frimpong, Taylor, Elhamed (when fit) Elyounoussi and Forster have all read a lot better than Hendry, Compper, Toljan, Weah and Burke. As such I’m optimistic the two new boys will add more strength to the squad.
I’d have loved another winger. I had concerns when relying on Moi and Mikey Johnston that their respective injury records would bite us on the backside and Johnston’s injury at Perth on Wednesday night just added to my nervous disposition when it comes to recruitment choices. News Moi is returning to the grass this week is encouraging but it would still seem his return can be counted in weeks rather than days.
At the back the left side of defence worries me a little. Boli Bolingoli is now on Lennon’s naughty step after some average performances and Jonny Hayes until Wednesday night had to be utilised, despite it being far from his best position. Jonny is a squad player, his place is on the bench where his ability to play several positions is best utilised as a backup. Squad gold appears to be the term for Jonny’s worth to Celtic. Greg Taylor had a fine game at wing back against St Johnstone and hopefully he can kick on now and claim that shirt.
With a move to a back three becoming more prevalent however I’d have liked a left sided defender and preferably one who can flit between an out and out left back and a left sided central defender. We are using a few formations and initially I thought we were trying to find an alternative to match ‘the’ rangers when we play them next. What is clear however is that Lennon has decided we’re too predictable and he wants to keep opponents guessing, not only from game to game but also during individual matches. The use of three formations on Wednesday night pointed to just that. As such that left side defender with and ability to play in a 3-5-2 or a back four would have been ideal.
As with most transfer windows my greatest anxiety comes not through those coming in but those who are linked with moves away. Sleepless nights this month have mainly revolved around Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer. There is no doubt there is a lot of interest in both players.
Brendan Rodgers seems very keen on taking Kris Ajer to his Leicester City revolution, whilst everyone from Lazio to Lyon and Manchester United to Monaco has been reported as having an interest in the best footballer in Scotland.
Whether there have been any concrete bids for either player I don’t know, what seems clear though is no encouragement has been given to potential suitors in this window at least. We can cross the bridge when we get to it regarding the summer but for now that fact we’re not entertaining exits for both players shows we’re serious about the challenge we face ahead for this title. It would seem with one day to go that the Celtic board has shown some resolve even when the pounds signs have been flashing and they deserve credit for it.
Neil Lennon’s Media Conference yesterday was interesting. It appeared prior to the St Johnstone game that Lenny had resigned himself to no more incomings, yesterday he seemed more upbeat as if something may still be afoot. You can only assume when he says Nick Hammond is still working away, that Celtic’s ability to attract who they want may be reliant on other club’s own incomings and outgoings. Given that it could be a late night waiting game at Celtic Park tonight.
One or two late acquisitions would give everyone a lift. Perhaps this transfer window soap opera hasn’t reached the end credits just yet.
Niall J
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