SHANE DUFFY to Celtic was concluded yesterday as Neil Lennon got one of his top targets through the door. The news should be celebrated as we have secured what could be a pivotal recruit during this potential record breaking season. Although the club can not sit on their laurels and be chuffed with concluding a decent bit of business.
The club are in need of a left back as well as another right winger. The tried and tested Paddy Roberts has been touted as has Christian Atsu. However, one thing is clear and that is there needs to be more variety on the flanks as James Forrest cannot be expected to carry that burden himself for the entire season.
Greg Taylor is a competent and committed player to the team. He is fine defensively but lacks the flair that going forward as a Celtic left back requires. Instead Lennon needs a Frimpong-like attacking wide man from the deep. Why Frimpong can’t play on the right with Elyounoussi plays on the left is another thing to consider but only if Celtic sign a left footed central defender that could fill in at left back if need be.
Duffy will be a top addition to the Celtic side. As a Celtic fan and experienced Premier League player, Duffy will be able to give a nasty streak to club’s defence, allowing Neil Lennon to play 3-5-2 as well as knowing that the Irishman won’t struggle against long balls.
With all things considered, our team is stronger than it was this time last year. Barkas or Forster may be debated but the Greek goalie is a Celtic player whilst Forster is back at Southampton. Ajeti and Klimala are a better pairing than Bayo and Griffiths in the rankings behind Odsonne Edouard. Not to mention last week’s signing David Turnbull.
When all is said and done, the recruitment will be measured on one thing only – whether Celtic will win 10IAR or not. Lawwell, Hammond and Lennon can banish the Ferencvaros memories with two more signings – a left back and a right winger. The signings of these players would really strengthen our side across all fronts.
