The season is over for most clubs in Scotland, but there is one very intriguing game left with the Scottish Cup Final between Hibs and St Johnstone this weekend.
There may not be a lot of meaning in this game from a Celtic point of view, but there is a chance to see a potential future player in action.
Ali McCann went under the radar for a while because there’s nothing overly flashy about his game, but he’s great on the ball, he has the composure to start attacks with incisive passes from deep and he plays with an energy and heart that makes up for a lack of stature.
A report from NTOF has looked at his involvement in the final this weekend, and it’s suggested that he’s attracting interest from Celtic going into the summer.
They spoke to former St Johnstone and Hibs player Paddy Cregg about the midfielder, and it’s clear that he’s a big fan:
“I’m sure Callum Davidson will be happy that there is interest because it shows he is doing extremely well. Ali McCann is one I know a bit about. He’s got good energy in the middle of the park, a good passer of the ball.
“He gets about the park really well and I have been really impressed with him. I actually played against him when I was at Montrose and he has really developed and put a stamp on that St Johnstone team.”
Celtic’s interest in McCann will only get stronger if he can show that he can perform and control a game when it matters most – he was impressive in the Betfred Cup Final, and another solid showing in a winning performance on Saturday will only help his status.
He’s also started to make an impact for Northern Ireland at international level so it’s obvious that he’s good enough to step up another level, and it’s a name to keep an eye on this summer as Celtic look to rebuild the squad.
