OPINION
There is often the argument that the likes of Celtic are nowhere the level that their rivals in England’s top flight are – but if that were the case why did the likes of Odsonne Edouard make the move north of the border?
Considering the talent and potential of the French hitman, there are a number of Premier League sides who would have loved to snap him up but it was the Hoops who sealed the deal, demonstrating they are worthy competitors to those south of Hadrian’s Wall – even if they battle it out in different leagues.
When it comes to transfer deals, most would expect the English sides to blow Celtic and the rest of Scotland away but there is no reason the Hoops can dish out disappointment to lower-ranked teams, such as Brighton and Newcastle.
It is for that reason that manager Brendan Rodgers should have the confidence his side can clip the wings of the Seagulls and the Magpies in their reported hunt for Le Havre defender Denys Bain.
The Sun report that the duo are chasing the 25-year-old with a view to a bargain in January – courtesy of his contract status, with terms that expire next summer – but with a centre back a must-have in the new year, the futures of Dedryck Boyata and Marvin Compper up in the air, this is a move which ticks a lot of boxes for Celtic.
The price will definitely be in the right ball park for the Bhoys, while his age and experience makes him a suitable candidate to step up to Scotland’s top flight, and with the centre of defence an area which needs attention, what is there to lose for the Hoops.
This can be Celtic’s chance to blow their Premier League rivals away and prove they are a UK powerhouse – even if it is just a low-cost signing.