Former Celtic scout Peter Houston has backed John Park to improve the Celtic squad this summer, if the club’s ex-head of recruitment rejoins the club.
Park – who was the mastermind of signings such as Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama – was replaced in the role two years ago by Lee Congerton, who has now also left to reunite with former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers at Leicester.
Speaking to the Evening Times, Houston, who has also been assistant manager of the Scotland Under-21 side, said that if Celtic chose Park, he would be the right man to take the Bhoys forward this summer.
“There are rumours about John going back. I don’t know if there is any truth to them. Personally speaking, I don’t think it would do them any harm at all getting John Park back,” Houston said.
“I have no doubt that if John was to go back into Celtic he would have a number of players lined up that he knows about and wouldn’t have to start from the very beginning.
“But Peter Lawwell and his board might have different thoughts about the road they want to go down. I just hope Celtic get the right person. Whoever they go for will certainly have tremendous back-up from the staff who are in there already.”
OPINION
It could turn out to be a massive summer for Celtic. Despite continuing to dominate and having the chance to complete the ‘treble treble’ of trophies, the 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday showed exactly why the Hoops need to strengthen again this summer. Not only will Celtic need new players, they will certainly need a new head of recruitment and most importantly, they could need a new manager if Neil Lennon does not fancy the permanent Parkhead role for a second time. As far as the search for a head of recruitment, you just have to look at who Park has scouted in the past to know that he has an excellent pedigree for spotting talent. Virgil van Dijk has gone on to become the best defender in world football, Victor Wanyama is a mainstay in the Tottenham team and Fraser Forster – although fading in recent seasons – was a key man of the Southampton team at one point. All in all, Park would be a great appointment.