OPINION
Joe Ledley, capped 77 times by Wales, won’t be out of work for long.
He’s too good for that, and there’s no doubt the former Celtic midfielder will have clubs beating a path to his door after he released a statement today announcing he had abruptly quit Derby County to find more regular football elsewhere.
The newly-available free agent can rest relatively easy knowing a club will eventually come knocking, with his position strengthened following the abolition of emergency loan windows two years ago.
Celtic should be among the clubs banging on his door. Indeed, they must go a step further further and not rest until they have tied the 32-year-old down for a second time.
He still has the quality to be an excellent addition to Brendan Rodgers’ midfield, especially in a position where the team have struggled this season.
Callum McGregor has been one of the outstanding players in the SPL this season but his central midfield colleagues Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham have been up-and-down, the latter especially.
With injuries and further absences likely to take their toll over the coming months, Ledley could be the answer to a thorny problem.
The veteran is a proven performer who knows the Scottish game inside out and has a sound reputation among Celtic fans, following his four-year spell at the club between 2010 and 2014.
Ledley made 157 league and cup appearances for the Hoops and had a hand in a goal once every three matches, with 30 goals and 24 assists to his name.
His energy, commitment and team-first ethos would be ideal for Rodgers’ side as they look to fend off the challenge of Steven Gerrard’s revitalised Rangers.
Celtic are still a slight cut above their rivals and can nail eight-in-a-row titles by re-signing Ledley.