Could Crystal Palace ace Joel Ward solve Celtic’s right-back issues this summer?
Mikael Lustig returned to Celtic’s first XI for the 3-0 win over Ross County this past weekend, but does that make him safe from the chop this summer?
The Swedish right-back was an unused substitute in the previous two games in what represented a new low for the Celtic veteran following a dismal past couple of months.
Whether he was picking up stupid red cards or being caught out of position in the lead up to goals conceded, Lustig was looking like a real liability and Brendan Rodgers could and probably should be considering signing another right-back this summer, regardless of Anthony Ralston’s potential.
One such name who Rodgers could look at is Joel Ward, the Crystal Palace defender who looks like he might be available on a free transfer come June.
Ward, who has 159 Premier League appearances under his belt, hasn’t featured for the Eagles since February and it seems probable that Palace will allow his contract to run down, whether they’re relegated or not.
Despite falling out of contention under Roy Hodgson, Ward is still only 28 and Celtic could easily get a few good seasons out of him at right-back.
The former Portsmouth ace, once valued at £4.5 million according to Transfermarkt, is a younger and better player than Lustig and one who Rodgers really should consider.
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