The performances of Celtic’s goalkeepers this year have left a lot to be desired. Initially, Vasilis Barkas came in for a big fee from AEK Athens, but the Greek’s hapless performances left the Hoops’ faithful scratching their heads at just what service the hierarchy had paid for. Next came Conor Hazard. A trier by all means, but unfortunately the Northern Irishman just didn’t have the ability to be the mainstay between the sticks. The responsibility was then left to Scott Bain to man the fort. Consistent? Yes. Consistently average? That also.
There needs to be a new man come in to stop the leak in the Celtic defence – and one of the more prominent links of the year has resurfaced again in Hibernian Ofir Marciano. The Israeli, 31, has been Hibs’ no. 1 since the 2016-17 season, making 125 league appearances at Easter Road in that time and cementing his name as one of the more reliable keepers in the nation.
Marciano has already made clear his intentions to leave Easter Road this summer as his contract is expiring – and former Hibs man Tam McManus has further added to the rumours, having admitted that he would be ‘very surprised’ should the Bhoys’ not attempt to poach Marciano from the cross-city rivals.
“I’d be very surprised if Celtic didn’t try and get Marciano on a free. Can count on one hand the mistakes he has made at Hibs in 4-5 years. He is a better goalkeeper than any currently at Celtic IMO.
Strong words from the man who played 109 times for the Edinburgh-based outfit, scoring 19 goals in the process – let’s hope it comes to fruition.
