Joel Nouble is being backed for Rangers or Celtic with his own manager David Martindale touting him for a move to Ibrox or Celtic Park.
This feels like Lyndon Dykes all over again, doesn’t it?
A striker who was a relative unknown before causing all sorts of problems for Livingston… yeah, the comparison holds up.
Dykes was regularly touted for Rangers and Celtic before heading to Queens Park Rangers and now it’s Nouble.
Livingston boss David Martindale has been speaking about Nouble and actually tipped his own forward for a big move.
Usually a manager would be trying to fend clubs away from signing his star players, but Martindale is hyping Nouble up ahead of January.
Martindale has been quoted by Football Scotland as saying that he thinks Nouble is getting better and better in the final third.
Martindale even thinks that, outside of Celtic, Nouble is one of the top wide men in Scotland, hailing him as ‘fantastic’.
The Livingston boss even added that he would love to see Nouble join Celtic or Rangers, alternatively tipping the move to England’s Championship just like Dykes.
“I’d be surprised if we don’t see some interest in him in the summer because he can play as a 7, a 9 or an 11. His numbers are getting better, definitely in terms of the wide areas,” said Martindale.
“I’d say that outside of Celtic he is one of the best wingers in the Scottish Premiership. He’s been fantastic for us. He’ll be staying here in January unless something outrageous comes in, but hopefully he can leave the club in a very good place in the summer. I think there’s a lot more to come from Joel.”
“I’m looking forward to the next step in the evolution of his career. I’d love to see him down in the Championship and I’d love to see him maybe at one of the top two in Scotland as well,” he added.
Is Joel Nouble good enough for Rangers or Celtic?
It feels like a very similar situation as Dykes – a nuisance for Celtic and Rangers to deal with but maybe not quite at the level they need.
Nouble is a giant at 6ft 4in tall and he poses a physical challenge for any Scottish Premiership defenders.
Rangers and Celtic have found that for themselves but signing him is another matter.
Nouble is almost 27 and bounced around England’s non-league scene without much long-lasting success.
The former Chelsea talent has bagged three goals and two assists in 15 games this season but Rangers and Celtic are just looking for more given their hopes in Europe.
We wouldn’t be surprised if Nouble attracts major interest but Celtic and Rangers may just be a step too far.
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