With the 9-IAR practically secured, it is time to look forward to next season, whenever it will commence. Clearly a seminal season of course with 10-IAR on the horizon. This record achievement must be secured and some steps will have to be taken to make certain that it happens.
Firstly, Fraser Forster must be kept on in goal. Forster is a first class keeper and if it wasn’t for him results would not have been as good as they were. Clearly, the League Cup would not have been won if it hadn’t been for Forster. In that game Celtic played well below par and were somewhat lucky to have won. Forster played out of his skin and he saved Celtic again and again. There could be a problem as regards his salary as Celtic may not have the capacity to match that which he earns at Southampton but really every effort should be made either to sign him or to retain him on loan.
Next, Neil Lennon must find a way to incorporate Marian Shved into the team. It is high time that he takes his place in the first team. This is for the good of the team. Moreover, Callum McGregor and Kristoffer Ajermust be kept. I have to admit that, by his own high standards, Ajer fell somewhat short once or twice during the season, but he is a class player and is still very young.
We then come to the case of Odsonne Edouard. I would prefer if he stayed but it seems that the vultures are circling and it may be the case that Celtic will be unable to turn down offers from England or the continent. If Edouard leaves, the choices available to Celtic up front are Leigh Griffiths, Patryk Klimala and Vakoun Issouf Bayo. Media outlets have reported that Celtic have displayed an interest in Fadiga Quatarra who plays for Lille in France. By all accounts Quatarra is a very promising player but it is unclear yet as to whether he would be in a position to step into the first team in place of Edouard. It seems clear that Celtic will not sell Edouard until such time as a suitable replacement has been found.
Clearly, there are difficult times ahead as a consequence of the Covid-19. Other than the medical risks, we miss not having football. Hopefully, things will soon return to normal and we will come though this disease unscathed. Until such time as the new season starts “ here’s to 10-IAR”
Tim Molloy lives in Drogheda with his wife of 35 years and with (on occasions) his three grown up children. He is a life-long Celtic supporter and an Irish language enthusiast. He also speaks some Spanish and French and a few words of Polish and Czech. He also follows the fortunes of the Munster rugby team.He is a law graduate of London University and is a High Court Registrar. Other than an interest in all things Celtic, he is long time observer of the League of Ireland.
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