This has been a horrific season for Celtic and it is showing no signs of getting any better.
A 1-0 defeat to Rangers was the worst possible way to start the New Year and it feels as though not even some investment in the January transfer window will save them.
What’s the word?
If there were two areas that Celtic needed to focus on the most this month it would be in defence and on the flanks.
The Hoops have conceded a bucket load of goals in the SPFL and shipped 19 in just six Europa League outings. On the wing, meanwhile, they have a lack of depth with James Forrest out injured for the majority of the season.
As a result, two attacking players have already been targeted this month. One is young Airdrie winger Thomas Robert and the latest link emerging regards Exeter man Joel Randall.
According to The Athletic, both Swansea and Celtic are understood to have expressed their interest in signing the 21-year-old wide man.
Others are also reportedly monitoring Randall’s situation so it may not be a straightforward pursuit.
The next Sinclair
Signing a player from League Two in England might not be the most attractive of proposals for Hoops supporters but the immense potential and talent Randall possesses cannot be underestimated.
Capable of playing on either wing and using both feet, he is a dynamic player capable of causing carnage from a wide area.
Randall has already scored eight goals and registered five assists for Exeter this term so it’s no great surprise to see him linked with bigger pastures.
But what sets him apart from the rest? Well, we’ll let his manager Matt Taylor do the talking: “He’s had talent and potential in him since a young age. His running stats are phenomenal but he’s added an extra dimension to his game in terms of the end product,” he began.
Taylor continued: “He’s been a constant threat down that left side, worked tirelessly for the team and contributed at all times this season. He’s been a standout player.”
Also described as “energetic,” it’s clear to see why we’re comparing him to former Hoops attacker Scott Sinclair.
Like Randall, the winger is a menace to the opposition and can cause a nightmare for defenders. Sinclair was always a constant threat down the left and worked relentlessly hard.
He scored 62 goals in 167 games for the Glaswegians and although that’ll be hard for Randall to live up to, there are already incredibly positive signs.
The Grecians winger is certainly one to watch.