Can Celtic’s Scott Allan prove he is better than Hibs’ John McGinn?

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Hibernian manager Neil Lennon has lauded Scott Allan and Celtic’s forgotten man has the perfect chance to show he deserves a clean slate at Parkhead.

Scott Allan’s ability has never been in question. Unfortunately, however, there have been far too many discussions about his professionalism and fitness over the last couple of years, which makes his sensational performance in Hibernian’s 2-1 win at Rangers all the more frustrating.

The 26-year-old won the penalty converted by Jamie Maclaren, as Neil Lennon’s side sealed an impressive victory at Ibrox. It was the sort of rare display that showed exactly why Celtic signed him from Hibs in the summer of 2015.

And Lennon did not hold back in his praise after the game.

“I thought Scott was fantastic,” the former Celtic boss told Edinburgh News. “He took real responsibility, his football was excellent.

“He has put down a real marker – that’s his level. Rangers found it very difficult to handle him. In the first half in particular, he was unplayable.”

The question now, however, is whether Allan can produce such performances consistently or whether this was just another false dawn. The former West Brom youngster is only on loan at Easter Road from Scottish champions Celtic and, on this evidence, Brendan Rodgers should not give up on him just yet.

Celtic have been heavily linked with Allan’s midfield partner John McGinn (above) of late, the 22-year-old Scotland international who Lennon believes is worth a fee of £5 million, as reported by STV.

But if Allan succeeds in outshining his sought-after teammate for the next few months, and that is not out of the question if he remains at the top of his game, perhaps this seemingly lost cause could prove he deserves a fresh start at Parkhead.

There may only be one midfielder Celtic need to bring in from Hibs in the summer, and it might not be Mcginn.