Search for creativity: January transfer window
Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesWhat do Neil Lennon and the rest of the Celtic braintrust have up their sleeve?It is very quiet in Paradise at the moment as the SPL takes a break for two weeks. The majority of Celtic players will use these two weeks to rest and recuperate, while Efe Ambrose heads off to represent Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations. But Neil Lennon will use the period to scout out possible new signings to strengthen his side.
The past few SPL games have shown Celtic lack creativity when going forward. Injuries have taken their toll on the likes of Kris Commons and James Forrest, while the likes of Paddy McCourt, who takes up a spot on the bench, provides next to nothing to the Celtic cause other than giving Celtic fans a reason to sing the wee ditty in his honour. With the lack of creativity up front it has been a hard slog for Celtic to break teams down – something must change and that is an injection of fresh blood.
In my previous article I highlighted several possible signings – James Murphy, Gary Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell. Murphy has already departed for Sheffield United, while MacKay-Steven and Russell are still residents of Tannadice.
Celtic have money to spend – thanks to their Champions League campaign - and this season has proven that they need fresh blood as some players have become stale and comfortable in their positions with little or no competition for said places.
Celtic have already ditched Rabiu Ibrahim, with the Nigerian travelling down the M77 to Kilmarnock after just two starts in 12 months. They are looking to sign Israeli defender Rami Gershon, a defender from Standard Liege. But while strengthening at the back is needed Celtic should prioritise their attack as the starting point.
I have already listed the reasons for selling or releasing a number of players in my mid-season report. It is now time for Celtic, Peter Lawwell, Lennon and head scout John Park to get together and snap up players that will add to the current crop of players.
Three of my must-buys - Darren Randolph, Mackay-Steven and Russell - are still available to snap up and hopefully Lennon does snap them up. But who would you like to see signed by Celtic? Realistic signings that is, folks.
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