Dundee United striker Johnny Russell is the name on every Celtic supporters lips as manager Neil Lennon looks to bring in another striker before the transfer window slams shut in six days time.
Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes have served the club well for the past two seasons, but I believe their partnership has grown stale and Lennon’s strikeforce is in dire need of being freshened up.
Celtic’s chief scout John Park has done a marvelous job in unearthing hidden gems throughout the continent and bringing them to Paradise. Stars such as Emilio Izaguirre, Beram Kayal and Victor Wanyama are evidence of that. But it may be time to look closer to home.
The Hoops have adopted a shrewd signing policy by purchasing players of an unknown quantity, breading them into the team before selling them on for a healthy profit. No longer can the club afford big money signings. The facts are, Celtic is now a selling club, like every other team in Scotland.
With the transfer window about to close, time is running out for Lennon to bring in the two signings he and the supporters desperately want.
Now Rangers are no longer in the SPL, some people may argue that there is no need for Celtic to spend money as their reserve team could retain the title.
However, Peter Lawwell still has to appease his paying customers and the Celtic support won’t accept Fraser Forster as their only acquisition this summer. The club needs to bring in a signing that would excite the Parkhead faithful and as a result bring more fans back into Celtic Park.
I think that man should be Johnny Russell. The player had a terrific campaign last year and is carrying his outstanding form into this season. He’s young, affordable and a goalscorer.
The Hoops desperately need a player of his qualities to partner Gary Hooper up front and he and Russell could forge a frightening partnership capable of competing both in the SPL and Europe.
If Celtic bought the player, not only would they be acquiring a wonderful footballer, but they would also be keeping a quality talent within the Scottish game. With Rangers plying their trade in the Third Division, the Scottish Champions are the only club in the country who could realistically afford the player. And by doing so, they would prevent the youngster from leaving the SPL and moving down south, similarly to David Goodwillie last year.
Furthermore, Russell is well within Celtic’s price range so the money paid to Dundee United would be kept in Scottish football instead of spending it elsewhere.
Lawwell has let players like James McCarthy and Steven Fletcher leave the SPL before becoming a major a success in the Premiership. Let’s hope this time he has learned his lesson, not only for Celtic’s sake, but Scottish football.
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Are you Mark Hateful in diguise?
Bring back ted the ned, although equally as clueless, at least his sh1t was funny.
Explain.
Right well then then!
Mark Hateful writes a cliché-ridden column for a trashy red top, full of contradictory nonsense and ted the neds shit was so bad it was funny.
What has Mark Hately got to do with this post? Nothing to do with The Rangers?
We need a center-half before we even think about any other positions.
True, but Celtic still need a striker and Johnny Russell is believed to be under Lennon’s radar. But you’re right, a centre back to partner Charlie Mulgrew must be a priority, especially for Europe. Thomas Rogne is a raw talent while Kelvin Wilson is prone to errors so the defence is in definite need of strengthening. The trouble is finding a quality one for the right price.
Russel is not ready for Celtic and wouldn’t get a regular game in any case. If you think he would, then explain where and instead of whom.
I disagree. Johnny Russell is a terrific young player and would certainly add quality to the Celtic squad. Daryl Murphy and Mohammed Bangura aren’t good enough and Anthony Stokes has been poor since the turn of the year. Russell is versatile and can also play wide left. He’s young, Scottish and will only improve. He will develop into a very good player and I suspect Celtic might make a bid before the window closes next Friday. But you’re entitled to your opinion.
See the big space next to hooper that stokes,murphy and bangura cant fill thats were he would be right next to hooper. hail hail
Correct Mark.
Alongside Hooper because Stokes is unrelaiable, prone to falling over and is off form ( & injured !)
I agree but why should other teams reserves how become first team regulars be any better than Celtics reserves who after all dominate the u 19’s and reserve leagues?
With the bringing in of 5 mill + players a thing of the past I think we should concentrate on bringing in the laddies in 3 & 4’s instead of the odd 1 here n there who never seem to cut the mustard on their own, with the exception of McGeady and Forrest of course, I believe the only way we will reach another European final in my life time ( I’m 34) is with the home grown talent like the Lions themselves coming in to the 1st team in groups.
I do believe we’ll sign 1 0r 2 more players this window for CB and CF but its likely to be a money spinner from foreign soils like the far east for obvious reasons, and why not….we need to expand the Celtic status and family to survive these hardship days.
In Lennon we trust HH
I agree completely Jimmy. Tony Watt and Fillip Twardzik were exceptional yesterday against Inverness and I think Neil Lennon will use the SPL as a platform to breed youth into the team and give them an opportunity to shine like the two youngsters did yesterday. Once Paul George comes back from injury, I expect to see him join McGeouch, Twardzik and Watt all make a serious impact this season.
However like I said, I acknowledge Celtics signing policy and think they are going about it the right way. A player from Asia will almost certainly join because Lawwell knows it will enhance Celtics name and sell shirts. But in Russell’s case, I believe they have a player right under their noses who could do a job for the Hoops.
lol at the name on every Celtic fans lips,where’d you get that nonsense from? We need a striker, sell Samaras and Stokes as both are awful.Bring in Jordi Rhodes to rotate with Hooper and Watt. Also i’d love if we sold Scott Brown and brought in a creative midfielder,a real playmaker who can dictate the pace of games.Lennon better have the sense to play Watt up front with Hooper on wednesday. It’ll lift the whole crowd as theres something special about seeing young hungry Celtic pups coming through and everytime he gets the ball there’ll be a buzz.It’ll help create the sort of atmosphere and gameplay that’ll panic Helsingborg as opposed to the flatness when Samaras gets the ball.We’re usually expecting him to give it away as are his team mates who therefore don’t make as many runs. Watt is the only choice that makes sense, he brings about a massive improvement from Hooper too who might as well not play when he’s paired with Samaras. Watt can go left or right, play through the middle, hold the ball up or go in behind and he can link up too!,something Samaras is rarely capable of.Also the kid is a natural goalscorer. He looks like he could score 40-50 goals in the scottish league if he becomes a regular.Samaras looks like he’d score 6 or 7. Hooper began to look again like the player he was when we signed him against inverness,making more of an effort to link up with smart one twos,clever runs in behind,just everything really and he’ll only continue to improve playing alongside Watt instead of continually declining playing with Samaras. Be brave Neil dont revert to what you see as safe options, start Watt, Samaras has proved time and time again that he is no good, it’s hard to even cheer him now the occassional time he does anything decent.
You wise? Samaras is one of the few stick on players we have for big games. Plus, he’s an inside forward not a striker.
That will be the same Samaras that scored or created the goals in the 2 Champions League qualifiers that will bring in he £15 million that will allow us to buy new players. Just as well it is Lenny that is managing the team and not you.
I don’t understand how Samaras STILL get’s so much criticism. He has started this season fantastically and will be a key player for Celtic in the Champions League, providing there’s no shocks on Wednesday night. He’s a big game player who seems to thrive on the big stage. Lennon trusts him and it’s time the fans started to back the Greek. It’s no coincidence Sammy has scored in each of the 3 games Celtic have won away from home in Europe recently.
The same Samaras thats been pish for years with an awful goal scoring record in the scottish league, a diabolical one in fact. The same Samaras that fannies around every week annoying his teammates as well as the crowd. He’s gonna score some goals you can’t use to justify his selection,he’s playing for Celtic ffs! He gives the ball away almost always, faffs about like a big lazy fanny that he his, falls over constantly and is just generally shite! If Tony Watt played as many games as Samaras he’d score 5 times as many goals and probably more! I wish it were me that was managing the team instead of Lenny as he’s as clueless at times as he was as a player, negative oul shite and that’s why we got pumped in europe last season tho apparently in some quarters we did well. I guess it’s all about perspective, i think we’ve been awful under Lennon despite the fact our scouts have brought in some of the best players in midfield we’ve had for a long time. Lennon needs to stop giving places to players who are usually shite and at best average ie, brown,samaras,stokes. We have some good players there but a poor manager, hopefully he’ll learn to be positive and not negative as he was a player. Hooper looked a different player with Watt beside him,much more like the player we signed and he will continue to get better with a good forward beside him who can hold the ball,work the channels,hold it up and above all link up. Samaras not only plays shite but takes Hooper out of the game too as well as our midfielders with link up. He gets some credit from some quarters as he goes on the odd mental run that seems to work out but very rarely and he’ll fall over usually at the end of it. He takes away from the team massively when he’s involved, he is a terrible terrible player as is Scott Brown, get shot of ppl who not only cannot make 5 yard passes consistently but can barely do so at all. The standard of our players thru the last few years has declined so much that players like Samaras and Brown are acceptable to some i guess but never for me. They’re paid a hefty wage and im not criticising them as ppl but i reserve the right to my opinion that they are poor footballers and not anywhere near good enough for Celtic.
Samaras shit? Are you serious? Mate this Article was spot on. I have wanted Johnny Russell since January last year. Him and Mackay-Stevens are the future of Scottish football. Mackay-Stevens – Russell/Rhodes – Forrest for Scotland and you will do well.
Sell Brown? Our captain? The player who spurs everyone else on? Thats a Suicide attempt right there. Without Brown or Ledley to pick the team up, non supporters like Kayal and Wanyama would have their heads down. You dont seem to think too Rationally with comments like that.
I agree that Johnny Russell is a good player but I would rather he remain at Utd to increase the competition this season. We do need a CH and a CF though and they may come from abroad or a loanee from down south. I don’t understand why Keatings was loaned to Hamilton. Why can’t he be given a chance? Especially as this is almost certainly Hooper’s last season. If we are completely out of Europe by Christmas we may lose a big name in January. If Russell is available, sign him then, in preparation for next season.
That’s a good point John. With the lack of competition now in the league Dundee United arguably have the second best team behind Celtic of course. However, I don’t think Neil Lennon would take that into consideration if he is interested in Russell. But for the SPL’s sake, I hope their squad isn’t dismantled because I think United have a very promising season ahead.
As for Keatings, he was probably loaned to try and let him gain first-team football as he has been plagued by injuries in recent years and wasn’t given a chance at St. Johnstone last season. With Hooper, Stokes, Watt, Bangura and Murphy all ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s probably best for the youngster to get some regular football under his belt with the hope of making the first-team next season.
Johnny Russel ‘the name on every Celtic supporters lips’? Since when?
I’m looking through Celtic sites and newspaper articles, but funny enough I can’t seem to see the boys name on anyones lips.
Hooper and Stokes are ‘stale’ and ‘need freshening up’?
Did you actually see yesterdays game?
You really should you know, if you want to comment AND make it sound as though you know what you’re on about!
Izzy, Kayal, Wanyama…what about Sammi, Lustig, Matthews, the Twardzik boys and you could also add Hooper and Stokes among others, or are these all , the result of ‘purchasing players of an unknown quality’, whatever the fk that means!
‘Celtic are a selling club, just like every other team in Scotland’ NOT QUITE EH!! WTF!!!!
Are you serious!
We sold Ki, in a decent bit of business, and now we’re a selling club ‘just like every other team in Scotland’ LOL!
Were we a ‘selling club’ when we sold Dalgliesh, Crerand, Nicholas, Collins, McGeady and the like, or was it a case that , every other team in Scotland’ had Dalgliesh’s, McGeadys and the like to sell?
I’ve never read so much nonsense in my puff.
‘Bring back more fans’??
Sorry I didn’t realise the Celtic support had left, unless of course you’re spouting sevco revisionism!!
In our first Euro home game this season we had 52,000′, rangers (before admin) last year in an equivalent game against Malmo had 28,000, so how does that work?
I never heard anyone shouting about attendancies then.
Do you think we’ll to hook them in on Wed night?
The vast majority of the Celtic support I know, and the opinions of most posters on Celtic sites, are more than happy with the work Lennie AND PL are doing at the club.
Yip! Defo Mark Hateful-esque and the sad bigot ted the ned was defo funnier!
HH
I was at yesterdays game Tim, thanks for asking. I named those players specifically because they came to Celtic completely unknown and have blossomed and became very valuable assets to the club. They were only an example.
Celtic are without doubt a selling club. Ask Peter Lawwell, Ian Bankier and Neil Lennon and I guarantee they would all say the same. Do you not know Celtic’s signing policy by now? Do you not read what the manager says?
“It is unfortunate to lose a quality player but that has been our strategy at the club for the last two or three years, cultivate these players and eventually move them on if they want to go.”
Bring young hidden gems into Celtic Park, ‘cultivate’ them before selling them on for a profit.
It’s not disgrace Celtic are now a selling club. Scottish football simply doesn’t have the finances like they did 10 years ago when they could afford to bring top Premiership players to Glasgow. 5 years ago even Celtic rejected multi-million pound bids for Artur Boruc because they could afford to do so. Now they can’t, hence ‘for the last two or three years’, Celtic signing policy has changed and has done so very effectively, so much so that they are one of the best run clubs in Britain.
Your own fellow supporter admitted in another comment that this will probably be Hooper’s last season! Why? Read what your manager said.
When was I shouting about attendances? It’s no secret Celtic are struggling to sell tickets this season due to the fact there is no Rangers and people simply can’t afford the prices, especially as they have gone up this season. The league will be won by Christmas and I KNOW Celtic supporters who have given up their season tickets for these reasons. They will now pick and choose their games.
Why do you think the club are constantly making statements trying to urge the fans to buy season tickets? Why there’s adverts all over the newspapers, radio and even outside Celtic Park trying to sell tickets? Wake up Tim.
I don’t know why you are getting so uptight. Not once have I slagged the work Lennon and Lawwell have done for Celtic. They are the reason Celtic are where they are.
I simply mentioned the fact Lawwell messed up by allowing McCarthy and Fletcher leave for the Premiership instead of spending the money to buy him. That is OBVIOUS.
Ask any Celtic fan, they will all agree by not signing Fletcher in January 2009, Lawwell cost Celtic the league.
That’s all I was saying.
Everyone’s allowed an opinion Tim.
A would take Russell in a second terrific player young and would fit into the side no problem, don’t see where the negativity is coming from the bhoy is class and he’s one of the troops aswell so it can’t be bad. hail hail
I’d take Russell and Rhodes, to go with Hooper and Watt, all good young hungry players with pace. Id sell Samaras and Stokes and bring those two in to replace em. I think the reaction is more about Russell being the name on all of our lips. Id have him as our fourth choice striker putting pressure on Hooper, Watt and Rhodes in an ideal world. I really want to see the back of Samaras
I would love to see Russell and Rhodes at Celtic bogbhoy, but that would only happen if Lennon sold one of his main strikers like Stokes or Hooper to fund it. Samaras has made an unusually good start to the season and will be key to Celtic’s plans in the Champions League, providing no shocks occur on Wednesday. I think Lennon has transformed Samaras in the past year and he is starting to gain some consistency so would hold on to him. But everyone has a different opinion on the enigma that is Georgios Samaras!
Nor do I Mark. Surprised at the amount of negativity considering most Celtic fans I speak to would love Russell at the club. Nice to see someone agrees!
never mind Russell what gets ma goat is people still refer to a club with no history as rangers.dae zombies exsist?
What is people’s problem with samaras? When we are under the cosh, who do you want the ball to go to? Samaras. If you think we won’t be under the cosh in Europe this season you’re wacko.
Agreed.
I’d take Russell in a heartbeat & sell Stokes as he’s shite & lazy. So his da hates The Queen? So does mine but I don’t get a fucking jersey do I?
I agree Jmanbay. Stokes has been unbelievably poor since the turn of the year and I think his time could soon be up at Parkhead, especially as his contract is up at the end of this season.
Fletcher was not a good striker then, more an around the box player and has not been prolific in the EPL,he only commanded an outrageous transfer fee because the clubs have outrageous money to spend in England. wouldn’t touch him with a bargepole.Tony Watt will turn into a better player than Fletcher could ever wish to be given the oppotunities this season,
Must disagree Ronnie. Always thought Fletcher typified what Celtic are crying out for – a target man striker who scores goals. He scored 12 goals last season for Wolves which is pretty impressive, especially as they got relegated. I do agree however his transfer fee was inflated due to the amount of money English clubs can afford to spend.
And another thing, why are you talking about Rangers against Malmo? And attendance? Nothing to do with buying Johnny Russell
Brilliant Read, spot on. Dont know why people are Negative. Even more unsure why there are people saying Watt is better than Russell. He has turned into another McCourt. A few good games and suddenly he should start every game. Doesnt work that way. Agree with everything in this, nice to see a Celtic fan who agrees with me for once
Thanks very much for your kind words Piaras, much appreciated. I agree, I get the feeling there will be too much expectation on this young lad. People forget he’s only 18, yes he has made a blistering impact since his debut against Motherwell last year, but we need to give the lad time. Lennon knows that.
He is brilliant but with everyone expecting so much from him he will turn into another Theo Walcott kind of player. Burnt out by the time he is 26
I like Johnny Russell as a player myself, but I’d give Tony Watt a chance myself, especially against some of the lesser SPL clubs. He’s been a revelation in the reserves, or whatever they’re called these days, and has done himself no harm whenever he’s been given a shot with the first team. I honestly reckon he could make a similar impact to Forrest, given a decent run and the sort of ‘protected introduction’ to first team football that James had. In addition to Watt, we already have Samaras, Hooper, Stokes and Bangura for the striker slots, and Commons can cut it at centre forward as well, at a push. I’d rather we spent more on a decent, experienced centre back (or two). That’s got to be the priority, especially if/when we get through to the CL Group stages.
Your entitled to your opinion BadBhoy McTim and you make some good points. To be fair, I did write this article on Friday night before the Inverness game. I think Watt will get a chance this season, especially in the SPL where Lennon has given youngsters an opportunity in the past couple of games. Maybe yesterday might have changed Lennon’s line of thinking and he might spend all his money on a centre back? I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m glad you included ‘protected introduction’ because that’s exactly what Watt needs. I get the feeling there’s too much expectation on this lads shoulders. We need to give him a chance and remember he’s only 18. People are coming out with ludacris comments that if he is first pick, he will score 40-50 goals this season. Utter nonsense. But I do believe he will make his mark this season and he is an extremely exciting talent. I think Sammy plays better on the left and wouldn’t regard him as a striker and Murphy and Bangura I’m sure you would agree just aren’t good enough. But yes, I think signing a centre back is just as important for Celtic, especially with the Champions League beckoning.
I agree very much with Tim. I think you’ll find Jordan Rhodes is the name on all the fans lips more than anything. Load of garbage so this is.
Might be garbage to you, but others agree. Everyone’s allowed an opinion.
Celtic a selling club?youmust be having a giraffe! Selling ki does not mean this at all. Getting profit for a player that struggled to get into the Celtic team is good business. Nonsense.
I’ll refer you to a reply I made to Tim, Tony.
Celtic are without doubt a selling club. Ask Peter Lawwell, Ian Bankier and Neil Lennon and I guarantee they would all say the same.
“It is unfortunate to lose a quality player but that has been our strategy at the club for the last two or three years, cultivate these players and eventually move them on if they want to go.”
Bring young hidden gems into Celtic Park, ‘cultivate’ them before selling them on for a profit.
It’s not disgrace Celtic are now a selling club. Scottish football simply doesn’t have the finances like they did 10 years ago when they could afford to bring top Premiership players to Glasgow. 5 years ago Celtic rejected multi-million pound bids for Artur Boruc because they could afford to do so. Now they can’t, hence ‘for the last two or three years’, Celtic signing policy has changed and has done so very effectively, so much so that they are one of the best run clubs in Britain.
Great article. Spot on …Johny Russell to Celtic in a heartbeat.
Tim you could be Mark Hatelys twin as you write as much garbage as he does. If you don’t think Celtic are now a selling club then you aren’t just thick..your deluded.
Just because you are a selling club doesn’t mean you need sell your BEST players. You sell the ones you can get by without and who can still command decent cash. Overloaded with midfielders you Sell…Sell…Sell.Like Ki.£6 million fab deal.Now you re-invest in other players with that cash. We needed the cash so don’t kid yourself on mate.
p.s. Season Tickets are also down so the crowds are also down. FACT ! Are you sure you actually go to games ?
Moving on ..as well as the Russell signing if it goes ahead we should put young Watt straight into the firing line. If he’s good enough (which looks like he is) then your old enough. Reminds me of a young Charlie Nicholas. Confident ,direct ,good on the ball and deadly in front of goal.