OPINION
Mikael Lustig has hardly divided opinion with some poor performances for Celtic in the last couple of seasons.
Earlier this month, some fans were calling for Brendan Rodgers to flog the right-back mainstay in the January transfer window thanks to how bad he had been playing.
The 31-year-old has been a favourite of Rodgers during his time at Parkhead and this season the Sweden international has somehow managed 18 appearances across all competitions despite his wretched form.
Those supporters may have their wish granted as Lustig will be out of contract at the end of the season and his lengthy stint in Glasgow’s East End could come to and end with him leaving on a free transfer.
That is why it is imperative that Rodgers must find a replacement as soon as possible and the perfect option for him is lying in wait south of the border at Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Joel Ward has been on the fringes of Roy Hodgson’s squad this season since the emergence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the first team at Selhurst Park.
The former Portsmouth right-back has made just four appearances in all competitions so far this season, but the 6ft 1 (transfermarkt) player does have a lot of Premier League experience having made 165 outings in England’s top-flight.
If Celtic want a solid right-back to replace Lustig then Ward is their man because he is pretty much a like for like replacement except at 29-years-of-age he is younger and has been defending against players with much better quality over the last few years in the Premier League.
Lustig really struggles against teams in Europe and signing someone who deals with top players on a regular basis could be just what Rodgers needs to do to get Celtic further in the Europa League or Champions League.
Ward’s lack of game time at Selhurst Park could mean that he would consider the move and Rodgers has to give it a go with Lustig, and his back-up option Cristian Gamboa, both out of contract next summer.
It could be a blinder by the Hoops to pull off this transfer next year.