Joe Ledley is likely to leave Crystal Palace this summer – but will Celtic be tempted to bring him back?
Most Celtic supporters would welcome Joe Ledley back with open arms if he chose to return to Parkhead this summer when his contract at Crystal Palace expires.
After all, the hirsuite Welshman is clearly no modern-day mercenary. Professing his love for the club and claiming that he wanted to sign a new contract, it appeared that Ledley was forced out of Celtic rather than the other way around.
Therefore, the combative midfielder would surely be tempted by the prospect of making an emotional return to the club where he lifted three successive Scottish Premiership titles.
After all, starting just 13 Premier LEague games in 2016/17, it appears that a chance of scenary is necessary.
However, no matter how tempting it may be, Celtic must not let their heart rule their head.
Saturday’s 2-1 win against Aberdeen at Hampden Park, securing the Scottish Cup and a first treble since 2001, will be remembered for the majesty of Tom Rogic’s stunning stoppage time goal.
However, the superb performance of Callum McGregor will stick in the mind for some time, too. A bit-part player in the first half of the season, it’s a testament to the homegrown midfielder’s recent progression that he is now one of the first names on manager Brendan Rodgers’ team-sheet.
And McGregor once again justified his inclusion against Derek McInnes’ perennial runners-up. Setting up Stuart Armstrong’s long-range strike with a trademark shift, shimmy and intelligent pass, the 23-year-old also demonstrated his efficiency at the other end when filling in at left-back for the injured Kieran Tierney.
As such, Celtic have no need to welcome back an all-action midfielder from their recent past. With McGregor’s all-round excellence once again shining through, their future is in good hands.
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