Unfortunate injuries mean Celtic have lost two of their wingers for the long-term, but will this make them consider signing West Brom’s James McClean?
Just a few months ago, Celtic were so strong in the wide areas that £1.3 million summer signing Jonny Hayes was barely getting a look in.
These days, however, an unfortunate series of injuries has left the champions’ flanks somewhat bare. Former Aberdeen winger Hayes is expected to miss the rest of the season with a broken leg while Patrick Roberts, who returned to Parkhead on another loan from Manchester City, will be out for at least another month with a hamstring problem.
So with James McClean quite clearly angling for a move to his boyhood club at the earliest possible opportunity, perhaps this is the opportune time for Celtic to heed the West Brom winger’s call.
Republic of Ireland international McClean told the Scottish Sun in December that he would “give anything” to pull on the famous green and white Hoops of Celtic. While not exactly a ‘come-and-get-me’ plea, it is clear that he would not need too much convincing to make the move north of the border.
And Celtic supporters too would welcome ‘one of their own’ with open arms.
But where does manager Brendan Rodgers stand? So far, there have been no clear suggestions that McClean is actually on Celtic’s radar but, with Hayes and Roberts missing for long periods, the 28-year-old’s obvious desire to run out at Parkhead should perhaps give the Hoops’ decision-makers some food for thought.
An aggressive and jet-heeled wide man, McClean would give Celtic some added depth on the flanks – and would possibly act as a ready-made replacement for Roberts when his loan spell at Parkhead comes to an end in the summer.
But will McClean get his wish?
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