Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney has addressed the defensive situation as the summer transfer window nears its end.
With Alistair Johnston out until October, Celtic supporters wondered if the club would delve into the market for right-back cover.
Maloney has admitted that cover in that area is not as urgent as left-back, however, but says that if Martin O’Neill wishes to pursue a deal, then the Hoops could delve into that market.
Kieran Tierney remains the only senior left-back at the club. The 29-year-old has been ruled out of Wednesday’s match with Aberdeen, meaning Liam Scales will likely be deployed in his absence.
The Hoops assistant mentioned Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston as two players who can provide sufficient cover in Johnston’s absence, but didn’t rule out a move for an additional right-back completely.
“Might do. With Colby, it’s less of a necessity than the left-back”, Maloney said (Celtic Player).
“I think the left-back is obviously where I know Liam Scales has filled in there.
“The right-back, I think it is possible when the right profile comes. We have got Colby, I think we have got Ralston as well. He went to the World Cup. He is not a young guy, he is a senior player. We can definitely count on those two.
“If Martin decides that is a position he wants, then fine. But it is not as urgent as the left-back position.”
While Maloney stopped short of mentioning any specific names close to joining or having been linked, he’s made the defensive situation clear from the club’s standpoint.
A left-back remains a priority, and while cover on the other side of the back four isn’t as pressing, it could still materialise.
It has been a busy few days regarding several areas of the squad.
PSV’s Joel van den Berg is nearing a permanent switch, worth £3.4 million after add-ons, which will bolster the midfield options.
Oliver Sorensen is due to arrive on a season-long loan from Parma, with Celtic reportedly having an option to buy. The 25-year-old seems a direct replacement for Arne Engels.
A deal for Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis is ‘close’ to completion, further strengthening the options in the middle of the park.
Chelsea’s Shim Mheuka has completed a medical ahead of a straight loan deal. The striker boasts an impressive goalscoring record at youth level and will add another body to the forward line, but could spell the end of Johnny Kenny’s time at the Hoops.
Keep Reading
