OPINION
Finding quality players to take Celtic to the next level is no easy task and Neil Lennon no doubt has a battle on his hands to try and achieve just that this summer.
Three domestic treble winning campaigns means that the only way for the Hoops to improve is on the European stage, not to mention keeping up their domination over the rest of Scotland.
Anything less is regression, not progression, at Parkhead.
As well as incoming signings, Lennon will have to deal with some departures over the next couple of months, including the potential exit of mainstay right back Mikael Lustig, who is out of contract this summer – although the boss has confirmed to the Scottish Sun he wants him to stay.
So who do the Bhoys look at to take his place?
The Examiner report that the leaked transfer document, as detailed by the Scottish Sun, states that Huddersfield Town defender Tommy Smith is on the manager’s radar to take the place of the full back and the 27-year-old surely ticks all of Lennon’s boxes.
An experienced defender, with 39 top flight appearances and a further 143 Championship outings, he was not in favour for the Terriers last season, making just 15 appearances in the Premier League during a campaign which ended in relegation.
With an average passing accuracy of nearly 75 per cent, as well as less than a foul conceded and 0.2 times he was dispossessed per game (source: Whoscored), he is a solid right back option who still has his best years ahead of him.
Relegation from the top flight coupled with a lack of playing time could have him looking for a move elsewhere and at Parkhead he could bring some real steel and nous among the back line.
Out of contract next season and you have a player who could be affordable, experienced and of the quality Celtic need – Lennon’s boxes are surely ticked.