This summer could be one where Celtic look to take advantage of the Scottish market.
It was something the Bhoys utilised well last summer when they welcomed David Turnbull to Parkhead.
He’s has enjoyed a brilliant campaign and has been recognised as one of the best young players in the division throughout 2020/21.
On the chalkboard
Turnbull’s appearance among the nominees for the Young Player of the Season award is well deserved.
If anyone has been a shining light from a torrid season at Paradise it’s him. The 21-year-old has netted nine times and also has seven assists to his name.
However, it was baffling that there was no place for Ali McCann on the shortlist. The Northern Ireland midfielder has had a breakthrough season and has been watched by Celtic scouts numerous times throughout the course of the campaign.
Currently playing for St Johnstone, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if we saw him at one of the biggest teams in the next few seasons.
After all, he has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer under Callum Davidson.
Bye-bye McGregor
If Celtic decide to act on their interest in McCann then he’d act as a perfect replacement for Callum McGregor.
The Scotland international has widely been tipped to take over the captaincy when Scott Brown departs but it’s hard to argue whether his performances actually merit that.
[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/celtic-manager-transfers-eddie-howe-jesse-marsch-ryan-christie-siriki-dembele" title="Read the latest Celtic managerial updates, transfer news, rumours and gossip!"]
Like many at Paradise this season, McGregor hasn’t enjoyed the best of times and if anything summed that up it would be his red card against Rangers last weekend.
He showed a complete lack of discipline as he slid in on Glen Kamara despite already being on a yellow card and was consequently shown his marching orders.
McGregor proved in this instance that he cannot be relied upon to set the tone in the middle of Celtic’s side.
McCann, however, has shown he can dictate and organise things well for St Johnstone.
Described as “excellent” by Davidson, he has all the tools to be a huge success at Celtic. He is versatile and has played at wing-back this term, building on the qualities he’s shown as a midfield player.
The 21-year-old is a solid ball carrier but his defensive attributes are first-class. McCann has won a mighty 2.7 tackles per game in the Premiership this season, a number that usurps every single player at Celtic.
For context, McGregor has recorded just 0.9 tackles per match while Scott Brown has registered 1.3.
He would be a clear upgrade and would offer a protective layer in front of the defence, especially with his exceptional reading of the play; he has made 1.5 interceptions per match.
The midfielder is capable in offensive situations too, scoring the winning penalty to knock Rangers out of the Scottish Cup.
McCann has been impressive for a while now and speaking last term, his former teammate Jason Holt only have fine praise: “He got his place in the team at the start of the season, and to keep it, it is testament to himself and the performances he has been putting in. He has been undroppable.
“He’s definitely got the potential to go on to bigger things. He has a great head on his shoulders and he is very down to earth.”
Celtic could undoubtedly benefit from someone with his qualities; his potential is enormous.