LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Celtic must consider Shane Long move

Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton (C) celebrates as he scores their second goal from the penalty spot with Shane Long and Mario Lemina during the Pr...
Follow us on Google Discover

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers needs to consider the Southampton striker.

Shane Long of Southampton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on August 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Much has been made over Celtic’s need for a new striker in recent days.

Odsonne Edouard is Celtic’s only available number nine after Brendan Rodgers ruled Leigh Griffiths out for a number of months with personal issues.

The Northern Irishman confirmed on Saturday that he wanted two strikers in the January transfer window – and Southampton’s Shane Long should be one of them.

The 31-year-old has found himself with a bit-part role with the Premier League strugglers this season, sitting behind Danny Ings and Charlie Austin – both of whom scored in Sunday’s win over Arsenal – in the pecking order.

He could be available next month and after declaring his love for Celtic in 2014 [The Irish Independent], he may just fancy a stint at Parkhead.

It wouldn’t be a cheap transfer, given that he is earning £60,000 per week with Southampton [Spotrac], but the Hoops, who made a profit of £17 million last summer, can afford the finances.

There wouldn’t be much transfer fee by virtue of the fact that he isn’t playing and is only contracted for another 18 months, and Long, who turns 32 in January, still has enough left in the tank to be a big asset for the Rodgers’s side.

If a 39-year-old Kenny Miller can continue to wreak havoc in the Scottish Premiership, then a 32-year-old Shane Long definitely can and Rodgers should seriously consider it.

Shane Long of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom.