Stephen O’Donnell’s fine Scottish Premiership form for Kilmarnock has earned him a place in the Scotland squad, but is he good enough for Celtic?
You have got to hand it to Celtic.
Aberdeen were hoping to keep Ryan Christie once his 18-month loan spell from the Scottish champions came to an end but, rather than simply let the 22-year-old play-maker go, Brendan Rodgers handed him a new deal and plans to include him in the first-team next season, according to the Express.
But should Celtic consider bringing back another player who, as a youngster, was initially deemed not good enough for the green and white shirt?
Celtic released Stephen O’Donnell after just two years in the Celtic academy between 2009 and 2011. But, seven years later, the 6ft left-back is hitting the peak of his career, being called up to the Scotland squad to replace the injured Barry Douglas after a fine season at Kilmarnock.
26-year-old O’Donnell was one of the best left-backs in the country as Steve Clarke’s Killie exceeded all expectations, scoring four and setting up a further five for the Rugby Park club.
And with Celtic lacking any sort of experienced cover for Kieran Tierney, who himself is a man in demand with Atletico Madrid reportedly the latest European giant to express an interest, perhaps now is the time to consider handing O’Donnell a second chance at Parkhead.
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