Celtic have been tipped to re-sign the ‘outstanding’ Hearts youngster Aaron Hickey this summer with ex-Hoops defender Mark Wilson hailing one of the Scottish Premiership’s rising stars, speaking to the Scottish Sun.
The Glasgow giants might have spent over £5 million on left-sided defenders last summer but it seems that manager Neil Lennon is still unsure about who his first-choice should be.
Boli Bolingoli started the season in the XI but lost his place to Scotland international Gregg Taylor after that error-strewn display in the pre-Christmas defeat to arch rivals Rangers.
Jonny Hayes, meanwhile, has adapted impressively to a more defensively-minded role when required, producing a fine performance in the famous away win at Lazio in the Europa League group-stages.
But, despite boasting three of the best left-backs in the league, Celtic are still being tipped to bring back a player they released in the summer of 2018.
“If Hearts are in trouble and are looking to offload players, I think Hickey is worth a gamble. When I first seen him against Celtic the week before the Scottish Cup final last year and then playing in the final I thought he was outstanding for a young boy,” Wilson says.
“He’s probably everything a full-back should be right now. He’s composed on the ball, he likes a tackle and he’s good going forward.
“For one so young, he’d be worth a gamble. I know Celtic have got a couple of players on that left-hand side but they haven’t found the perfect blend yet.
“And I think he could be one that could be there for a number of years.”
The Sun reported in March that Celtic could make a move for Hickey when the summer transfer window swings open – though the Scottish Premiership champions will have to pay a hefty £2 million fee to land a player they let go for absolutely nothing.
Though if Hickey proves to be the second coming of Kieran Tierney, no one will be questioning that price-tag.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
