Cut Price Celtic Deal Could Be Great Bit of Business

Recent movement coming out of Paradise, have cast uncertainty over pivotal stopper Fraser Forster and his association with the club looking forwards to the 2020/21 campaign. Multiple sources, including SunSport, have reported that potential dealership with Southampton this window, could come with more complexities than initially anticipated, with the stopper seemingly only keen on a permanent stay at Parkhead.

Celtic undoubtedly will have created contingency plans should a move for the man in question fall short. One of the names apparently on this list is none other than former Celt David Marshall currently plying his trade at Wigan in the English second tier. The shock has reverberated around English football in the last few days, due to the well-documented financial difficulties succumbing the Greater Manchester side into administration. This could well be the key to the Scottish international making a return to his boyhood heroes 13 years after his initial departure.

So why are Celtic potentially lining up a swoop for the Glaswegian goalkeeper?

Numerous reasons could be deployed for a target of this ilk; however, aspects of experience and know-how come to mind when contextualising these current rumours. Ex-Cardiff fans favourite Marshall has carved out a steady career down south, rarely ever not being first-choice goalkeeper at past clubs. Additionally, the Scot has achieved 33 caps for the national side and still holds the number one jersey for the national team at 35 years old.

Doubtlessly, the unfortunate events at the Latics could prove fruitful for the Bhoys, with quickfire outbound sales expected from the DW Stadium in the recent future. There is a real possibility that Neil Lennon could acquire the veteran at a cut-price fee. Furthermore, there is a strong argument that with the uncertainty of Fraser Forster’s future and departure of Craig Gordon, two goalkeepers should be brought in instead of one this summer. Whether for depth or first-preference between the sticks, the Glasgow-born keeper could provide much-needed depth in the goalkeeping department. 

How has he performed statistically?

Concerning numerical matters, David Marshall has had a respectable season with his present employers. In 33 Championship games, he has collected 13 clean sheets, aiding his side to relative mid-table obscurity as they head into the final stages of the campaign. Besides this, he has astoundingly kept a clean sheet in all his last seven appearances before yesterday which is practically unheard of in such an intense division to participate in.

Some fans will contend that ever-present Marshall is perhaps within the twilight of his career and would prefer younger long-term alternatives in his position.  Others will argue his stats speak for himself and despite not being as influential as Fraser Forster; the former Celt could still offer a cost-effective choice to Neil Lennon and his staff. Alongside an evident familiarity and affinity already held at the club. Time will only tell with regards to who is within the goal-frame for the Hoops next season.