Celtic see quintet as key to their success.
Celtic have a lot of business to do this summer to replace out of contract stars and loanees.
Fortunately Neil Lennon’s side have the core of a successful team already, including home grown talent.
Assistant coach John Kennedy says that he believes five players, including two three first team regulars, are key to Celtic’s success moving forward.
He told The Mail: “‘Ewan Henderson has come into the equation, Michael Johnston has been around it and we have young boys in the team.
“Kris Ajer is only 20, Kieran Tierney is still 21, Odsonne Edouard is 21. There are young players there and there also young ones in behind that as well.”
Celtic will have to continue to resist interest from English Premier League sides in Tierney.
In a summer of change, that is crucial, unless they determine that getting a big fee for him will help with an overhaul.
It doesn’t sound from Kennedy’s comments that selling Tierney is in their plans right now.
Henderson and Johnston have been impressive for the under-20s, with the latter providing two assists in a 3-1 win this week.
Beyond the pair, Karamoko Dembele and Armstrong Oko-Flex have been raising eyebrows with their performances in the development squad.
If Celtic can keep their nucleus together, which might not be easy, then as Kennedy points out, Celtic are in a healthy position even before new signings are added.
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