Former Hoops forward Simon Donnelly has suggested that both Kieron Bowie and Lawrence Shankland possess the qualities required to succeed at Celtic Park…
Donnelly’s comments follow the duo’s involvement in Saturday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road, where each found the net for their respective sides.
Bowie made it 3-0 just after half-time following a mistake from Stuart Findlay, before Shankland responded for Hearts in what ultimately proved to be a 3–2 loss for the Scottish Premiership league leaders.
Now, Donnelly believes they two have what it takes to play for Celtic. Speaking during his regular slot on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly said: “I quite like [Bowie]. “He came to my attention last year. I thought he gave Carter-Vickers a difficult time at Celtic Park.”
“He’s like an old-fashioned centre-forward, quite aggressive, quite a nice left foot. Had a little bit of a dip, but again, with young players that sometimes happens.”
“He took his goal brilliantly [against Hearts]. He’s got something. He’s been round about the Scotland squad as well. He’s got something there, definitely.”
Donnelly added: “Goalscorers as well… (the)Rangers have been linked with Lawrence Shankland in numerous transfer windows as well. And there’s not much better than him in the league at the moment at finding the net.”
“I would say it was a mistake [for the Ibrox club not to sign him], but I think he would do a job for Celtic as well. I really do. I think he’s a polished striker in this league, and there is that sometimes – I don’t know if it’s snobbery, when looking at other teams in the league.”
“Rangers and Celtic have had a lot of success there over the years, with different players from teams in the league. Nowadays, it’s overlooked.”
Celtic are currently relying on Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada to lead the line, with alternatives limited by injuries and Michael Nicholson’s abject failure to sign a striker last January then again in the summer despite selling Kyogo, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn and banking around £30m in the process. World class money making, eh Michael?
Free agent signing Kelechi Iheanacho remains sidelined as he recovers from ongoing hamstring problems, while Daizen Maeda has been deployed effectively in a deeper role on the left under Wilfried Nancy.
With that in mind, adding a recognised centre-forward is an absolute priority for Celtic as soon as possible.
Conor Spence
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I think Simons ideas , on this , are crazy !
I don’t believe that either player would want to go to Celtic Park at this time .
I don’t think any sane footballer would until this MESS IS SORTED
Bowie and Shankland are far better than any Celtic or Rangers striker thanks to our useless board.
Just waiting to see the shit additions they manage to come up with this window.
Sack the Board