It’s probably more exciting for the fans when a big name comes into the club from abroad, but Celtic shouldn’t write off some of the players currently playing in the Premiership either.
Of course the step up will still be huge, but they should understand the league and will also get how big a club they are, and there’s some talented players around too.
The Sun reported on some recent comments from Mark Wilson on five players he would like them to sign, and here’s who he came up with:
David Turnbull – Motherwell
This seems the most obvious and logical choice as he would be a Celtic player if it wasn’t for a failed medical, but he looks like a player who could play at a higher level. Prolific and composed in the midfield, he’s only ever had one good season at Motherwell so it’s important to see how he does on his comeback from injury, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if this interest re-ignites. He’s only 20 so there’s still plenty of time for him to come back and develop, but it might be best for him to stay at Motherwell for another season at least.
Lewis Ferguson – Aberdeen
There’s more to this than just seeing the seethe from Ibrox if a Ferguson was patrolling the Celtic midfield, but there’s a lot to like about his game too. He can do a bit of everything in the midfield, while his physicality is perfect for the Scottish game too. Wilson makes the point that he could eventually be a potential successor for Scott Brown, and it could make a lot of sense.
John Souttar – Hearts
Souttar was being spoken about as the next big thing at Dundee United, but he was left to flounder in a dreadful side and his confidence was shot, while Hearts have been up and down too. Injuries might be a big concern, but he could be cheap if the Jambos go down. At his best he’s quick enough to deal with most strikers, he’s great on the ball and will happily step into midfield to help overload the opposition when his team are in possession. He’s played for Scotland and has shown a lot of promise, so it would be interesting to see how he gets on.
Aaron Hickey – Hearts
Hickey looks destined to leave Hearts regardless of their status for next season and it’s easy to see why. He can play on either side of the defence, he never gives up and he has the occasional goal in his locker too, so he looks incredible promising. He’s only 17 so this would be one to develop over a few seasons, but the doggedness he shows in defence is similar to a young Kieran Tierney, and he looks destined for a higher level.
Lawrence Shankland – Dundee United
This is one that could go either way. His goal-scoring record is fantastic, and he showed the required mentality to lead a team to the title this season while being the main man up front, and that attitude will be needed in Glasgow. The problem is he’s never done it at the top level, and you wonder how often he would actually play. He tends to act as a poacher who thrives off balls into the box and pouncing on mistakes, but his all round game is in question. He would be a gamble, but it might just pay off.
