Where do Celtic need to strengthen?

Article by Tom Shanahan

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Following the title celebrations Neil Lennon confirmed he will be sitting down with Peter Lawwell in the upcoming days to discuss possible signing targets. Decisions will need to be made imminently to allow the manager and the squad the best possible opportunity to advance to the Champions League group stages.

Here at e-Celtic we assess the squad and try to identify where needs strengthened:

Goalkeeper

Firstly a goalkeeper will become a priority signing area sooner rather than later with Fraser Forster seemingly in demand. Its great news for Celtic that Forster has been called up to the England World Cup squad. His performances over the last few seasons have rightly been recognised as on par with the top keepers in Europe. Forster has been instrumental in Celtic’s Champions League successes over the last 2 seasons and this is the main reason why he has been included in Roy Hodgson’s 23 man squad.

Bitter sweetly however, this inevitably casts more doubt onto Forster’s Celtic career. Forster has always stated his ambition to someday play in the Barclay’s Premier League which is understandable for a man born and raised just outside of Newcastle. Undoubtedly he has the ability to be successful at a higher level and it will be an anxious summer for everyone connected with Celtic to see if a bid materialises. Even if Celtic are granted further service from Forster in the summer this could be the right time to bring in an understudy who can settle in and be ready to take over from Forster when required.

Defence

The big question mark in defence is if star central defender Virgil Van Dijk will extend his stay in Glasgow for at least another year.

As stated in my previous article Van Dijk has been a revelation this season and has set an incredibly high standard for any future defenders coming to Celtic Park. Strength, athleticism and confidence are all traits he has brought to the Celtic defence. As with Forster the Celtic hierarchy will be waiting to see if a bid is received. If Van Dijk does leave then a centre half will need to be signed immediately. Stephen Mouyokolo may well be offered a contract extension however, it would be unfair on the Frenchman to expect him to step in to the starting line up when he has hardly played any football in the last 12 months.

The other defensive position that Neil Lennon will be looking at is left back. Emilio Izaguirre was back to his best this season however he desperately needs some competition. Mulgrew and Matthews are both equally competent at filling in for the Honduran and Filip Twardzik also played well at left back on Sunday, however a true left sided full back must be found.

Midfield

The summer could also see the departure of Beram Kayal and Derk Boerrigter from Celtic Park.

Kayal has unfortunately failed to hit the same heights he did in his first season due to numerous injuries. He has now been over taken in the squad by the likes of Nir Biton and Stefan Johansen as well as club captain Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew. Kayal has also stated that it may be time to leave Celtic Park and this summer could suit both parties for a clean break.

If Neil Lennon does decide central midfield is an area that needs strengthened then don’t be surprised to see Celtic sign a central defender instead. Before Kelvin Wilson returned to Nottingham Forest Lennon stated that his desire for this season was to pair Virgil Van Dijk with Wilson in defence and push Efe Ambrose up to midfield.

Although not as strong or dominant as Victor Wanyama, Lennon obviously feels that Ambrose has something to offer in midfield. His pace and athleticism could be vital in midfield especially in European ties.

The key area in midfield that certainly does need strengthened is out wide. Derk Boerrigter was meant to be the man that offered Celtic pace and directness on the wing, however he has been a huge disappointment this season. As with Kayal he has been hampered by injuries and apart from the first 30 minutes of his debut he has not shown the quality or desire needed to be a Celtic player.

Boerrigter seems certain to be off loaded this summer and so expect a left winger to be signed, especially with Georgios Samaras also waving goodbye to Celtic Park.

Samaras has been an enigma since he signed permanently for the Bhoys in 2008. He’s had incredible highs in the hoops, including the one man demolition show at Ibrox in 2011 as well as being the talisman for the European run of last season. However, there have been times when he has seemed lost and uninterested which led to Celtic trying to sell him during the summer of 2011. One thing that is clear though is that Samaras has a true love for Celtic and will certainly be missed in the changing room.

The future of James Forrest has also been cast into doubt over the last few weeks with Everton reportedly interested in the pacy winger. Another player hampered by injuries but when Forrest is on form he gives Celtic another dimension in their attacking play.

Attack

A pain point for many Celtic fans for a long time now is the strike force. “The King of Kings”, Henrik Larsson, is firmly cemented in Celtics history, however, to much dismay no predecessor has stepped up to claim the coveted throne.

Celtic have got lucky domestically this season with Kris Commons stepping up and taking over from where Gary Hooper left off. The Champions League was unfortunately a different story altogether. In six group matches Celtic only managed to score a dismal 3 goals in total and none of them came from a recognised striker.

Leigh Griffiths was bought in January and has performed well but it is hard to imagine him having the quality to cause top European defences problems at this moment in time.

It’s hard to invision both Amido Balde and Teemu Pukki still being at Celtic after the summer break and so wages could be freed up to help with the quest in finding that elusive top quality striker. Tony Watt will also return from his loan in Belgium and if he returns in the right frame of mind could be an added bonus for Celtic next term.

As touched on, Kris Commons has had a dream season and seems to be getting ready to sign a contract extension. Commons will turn 31 in a few months and now could be the perfect time, as with Fraser Forster, to sign an understudy. Tom Rogic was signed to fill the play maker role but this has failed to happen. Hopefully his loan spell in Australia will have helped Rogic come back to Celtic a better player.

Assistant Manager

We also have to remember that Celtic is losing one of its finest ambassadors in Johan Mjallby, who has represented Celtic impeccably as a player and as assistant manager. As a player he was a fearless leader who was completely focused on making sure the team succeeded. His contribution to Celtic since his debut in the 1998 5-1 annihilation of Rangers should not be forgotten. This could in fact turn out to be the hardest replacement to find.

Neil Lennon has spoke previously about the objective of coming through any transfer window in a stronger position than when it began. This didn’t happen last summer. Will Peter Lawwell allow Neil Lennon to stand by this objective?

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