Three weeks into the January transfer window and Celtic finally look ready to sign their much-needed striker – just in time for Sunday’s table-top clash with Hearts.
Barring another late collapse – which you can’t completely rule out given how the season has gone – Thomas Chiwankara will be on loan for the remainder of the season.
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If the Czech international can rediscover the form that earned him a £9million move to Borussia Monchengladbach, Celtic may well have secured a gem.
His arrival is welcome after a frustratingly slow window, but hopefully this is just the beginning. Because if the club is serious about backing Martin O’Neill, one signing alone won’t be enough.
Center is essential, but it’s not the only area of concern. If the Celtics want to make O’Neal’s return successful, the team must address all of its gaps.
The unexpected recall of Stephen Welsh from a productive loan spell at Motherwell is significant. It’s a clear sign that O’Neill has no faith in his current centre-back options.
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With Cameron Carter-Vickers out long-term and only Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Dane Murray available, right centre-back should be a priority.
So should a commanding defensive midfielder.
How many more times can Celtic invite Callum McGregor to the Well? The 32-year-old captain still needs to play the full 88 minutes against sixth-division Auchinleck Talbot at the weekend, a clear sign that O’Neill simply doesn’t believe in other options.
McGregor has been outstanding in the engine room over the years, but expecting him to carry the load for nearly every minute of every fight is unsustainable. Tried everything else, to no avail. It’s time to properly support your captain and protect one of your team’s most important assets.
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Finally, Celtic need another striker – even with Chivankara on the side.
Johnny Kenny will provide the goals, but he is still a developing player and should be considered a back-up option.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s talent is undeniable, but his ongoing injury issues make him an unreliable solution. A second reliable forward would give the Celtics some offensive depth for the first time this season.
If the club can achieve these goals in the coming days – if they do decide to back O’Neal in this most chaotic of seasons – then maybe history will repeat itself and maybe, just maybe, he will do what he first did 25 years ago and lift another league title as Celtic manager.
Tino can be found on Celtic Exchange
