Scott Allan has lifted the lid on his time at Celtic, revealing in an interview with PLZ Soccer suggesting that it was a tactical decision from then-manager Brendan Rodgers that accelerated his exit from the club. Allan, 27, joined Celtic after a prolonged saga between Hibs and Rangers in the summer of 2015, before Ronny Deila nipped in and signed Hibs’ standout player.
In his first season, Allan mustered 17 appearances for the club and it was expected that under the incoming manager, Brendan Rodgers, that he would kick on; however, it wasn’t meant to be, as Allan explains.
“From early on in pre-season I had a good impact on Brendan Rodgers. He took me into his office many a time and said ‘I want you to stay here, you’re part of the plans’. I think he said to the press at times that I wasn’t going out on loan.
“Then after one pre-season game he wanted to play me in front of the back four. So he kind of seen me in front of the back four as opposed to behind the striker or further forward in the midfield.
“I know myself that wasn’t my best position. I’m at my most dangerous in a three in midfield or in behind the striker.”
Allan continued to suggest that he wasn’t given a fair attempt to wrestle the starting jersey from Tom Rogic or Stuart Armstrong, instead being limited in an unnatural position by the new manager.
“I like to play in a three in midfield, either as a No8 or behind the striker.
“For me, when I open up with the ball, if you run, there’s a chance that you’ll get the ball.
“Anywhere from those central areas there’s more passes to pick and that’s where I think I probably do my most damage.”
Allan remained on Celtic’s books for four years; however, the closest he got to the pitch was with loans to Hibs, Rotherham and Dundee.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Gary Hooper joins Wellington Phoenix on a one year deal, the former Celtic striker, who had the chance to go to Iran, opted to sign for the Kiwi side and will wear the Number 88 jersey once again…see HERE.
One Scheidt and Six Magnificently Random Celtic Stories from David Potter. The Celtic historian has been entertaining us with this brilliant feature every day since the weekend and if you’ve missed it so far, it’s well worth grabbing a coffee, sitting down and catching up, some wonderful Celtic stories in there…see HERE.
Celtic’s Bumpy Ride from BR-Exit Disarray to today’s Head of Football Operations Appointment. This brings to an end the BR-Exit debacle at Celtic and allows us to move forward. Hopefully the new man is given the elbow room to do his job without too much interference from above…read the story HERE.
