When it comes to Celtic's unearthed gems, the mind automatically goes to Virgil van Dijk. The Netherlands international went from joining the Hoops for £2.6million to becoming one of the best centre-backs on the planet. He is now worth a gargantuan £72million after his move to Liverpool saw him scoop a Champions League and Premier League title.

In this sense, no other player comes close when it comes to Celtic success stories. But another man who left the club and has gone on to do well for himself is Teemu Pukki.

Celtic wrong to cash in on Pukki

Hindsight is a beautiful thing and if the Hoops knew the Finnish striker would become such a prolific player, they may not have opted to cash in. It can't even be argued that the money made from his sale was worth it. As reported by Transfermarkt, the Premiership outfit took a loss on Pukki in order to seemingly grab a quick cash deal back in 2o15.

They signed him initially for £3million from Schalke and offloaded him for a mere £600,000. Celtic gave the forward just one season in Glasgow before he was loaned out to Brondby, where he eventually moved to permanently before his transfer to Norwich City.

Since Pukki left Celtic, he has flourished into a typical target man. With an astonishing 106 goals under his belt since his Parkhead departure, the 30-year-old quietly goes about his business as very much an underrated striker. His best season came in his debut campaign for the Canaries, netting 30 goals and contributing a further ten assists across the Championship and EFL Cup (as per Transfermarkt).

Neil Lennon is currently facing what could turn out to be a disastrous situation with his attacking options. Star player Odsonne Edouard continues to be linked to an exit at the end of the season and Mohamed Elyounoussi is only at the club on loan. If the manager is without both key players next campaign, it will leave him with just Leigh Griffiths and makeshift forward Albian Ajeti.

Had the club kept hold of Pukki, they could have banked a reliable goal poacher who can create as well as hit the back of the net.

In other news, Celtic must withdraw interest in potential club record signing Omar Colley...