OPINION
Brendan Rodgers has made no secret often fact that Celtic are looking to recruit one, and maybe even two, strikers this coming January.
A deal for PSG prodigy Timothy Weah looks increasingly likely, but that would leave Celtic with a frontline whose oldest member, Odsonne Edouard, is barely 20.
As they saying goes, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough, but with a genuine title race on their hands for the first time in a long time, the Hoops could surely use some valuable experience up top as well.
At 31, Southampton striker Shane Long has plenty of experience, and could be the ideal man to help the Bhoys to another SPL title.
Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been clear in his suggestions that the Premier League club’s squad could do with some trimming, and with Long making just two substitute appearances in the league under his new manager, surely he would be one of the first players likely to leave.
The Republic of Ireland international is a class act, with a lethal turn of pace and an eye for goal, but he has struggled in recent times on the south coast, and a move north of border could be exactly what’s needed to reignite his career.
The Bhoys were linked with a move for the forward over the summer (The Sun, August 26th 2018, p.61) but nothing materialised, and rekindling that interest could be a masterstroke for both club and player.