Steven Naismith believes Scotland have an ‘amazing’ talent in Aaron Hickey as Celtic’s one-that-got-away continues to shine in Serie A, via Clydebank Post.
Not so long ago, British-born players plying their trade outside of the UK were rarer than a fully-grown hen with a full set of pearly-white gnashers.
Now, perhaps inspired by the success of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, Hickey is just one of a number of talented youngsters proving that life outside of Britain is not just for the Michael Owens, the David Beckhams and the Owen Hargreaves’ of the world.
Hickey continues to catch the eye at Bologna.
So much so that, with the summer transfer window now just a few weeks away, a handful of Premier League clubs are expected to make their move, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The ship may have sailed as far as Celtic are concerned, however.
Do Celtic still have a chance to sign Aaron Hickey?
The Hoops lost Hickey to Hearts in 2018 and have been trying to bring him back ever since, failing with a £3.5 million last year (Sun).
With reports suggesting that Bologna now value the Glasgow-born whizzkid at £15 million, 19-year-old Hickey appears to have moved well out of Celtic’s financial reach.
“Amazing,” former Rangers and Everton forward Naismith says of Hickey, who could make his Scotland debut in Thursday’s friendly clash with Poland.
“Aaron is mature enough beyond his years and his move to Italy tells you that. He is happy to go and have that experience and wants to do well.
“He had to make the right choice and I think he did. His career has progressed and progressed again. He is still very young and still got a lot to learn and develop as a player but he is a good footballer.”
Aston Villa were rumoured to be the most likely destination for Hickey not so long ago. Steven Gerrard’s side have since signed Lucas Digne from Everton however.
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