Jim McInally on what doesn’t surprise him about Celtic’s interest in Nadir Ciftci

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Former Celtic midfielder Jim McInally has suggested the Bhoys will have to work hard to bring out the best qualities in Nadir Ciftci, should they sign him.

Former Celtic player Jim McInally has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he’s not surprised the club are being linked with a move to sign Nadir Ciftci from Dundee United.

The forward is mentioned as a target for the Bhoys by the paper and McInally has suggested any move by Ronny Deila could be worthwhile because of his potential and ability on the pitch.

“If you are talking only in football terms then there is no dispute and no surprise that Celtic are chasing him,” he told the Glasgow Evening Times.

“He’s a good player and he has a lot of good attributes and Celtic clearly feel he can fit into their plans.”

“However, there is no doubt that he is a loose cannon. He has been involved in more than a few incidents and, of course, he has this biting charge hanging over him.”

Do Celtic need a new striker?

There is a definite gap for a new forward to come into the squad and provide something different to the options that Deila already has.

Leigh Griffiths has arguably earned the right to play at the very top of the attack next season, because he finished the last campaign as top scorer.

However, there’s no sign that Celtic will try and keep John Guidetti for next year, which means a hole in the squad which needs to be filled.

How can Celtic deal with Ciftci’s ‘loose cannon’ side?

Ciftci does have a temper, which sometimes gets him into trouble but Deila has enough experience and enough about him as a manager to be able to talk with the player and deal with that.

Deila will have to find a way to coach and manage him directly if he becomes a Celtic player, so that football potential is the only thing anyone is talking about.

He’s also got reliable figures already in the squad such as Scott Brown who are well suited to demanding the very best from all players, so it shouldn’t be an overlying worry for the boss.