Journalist Michael Gannon believes that Celtic may need some more wingers in their current first-team squad.
Gannon was a guest on the latest episode of the Record Celtic podcast and the panel discussed the club’s recent Premiership game against Kilmarnock.
Gannon focused on the club’s situation in the wide areas and he believes that the Hoops may need some more wingers in the side.
In the club’s 4-2-3-1 shape against Kilmarnock, James Forrest started on the right and Mohamed Elyounoussi played on the left. Elyounoussi racked up a rating of 6.21, while Forrest picked up a rating of 6.53.
Gannon believes that while it is a “bizarre” idea, he isn’t convinced that Forrest and Elyounoussi could last as the wide pair.
He said: “I know there’s a lot made about centre-half and centre-forward, I think Celtic could do with options in the wide areas, which sounds a bit bizarre, given it’s about 18 months since Brendan Rodgers said he’s got a million wingers, but where are these options? Mikey Johnston’s injured just now.
Do Celtic need wingers this summer?
Yes, we do
No, we don't
“I mean, see last season when Elyounoussi was out injured, Forrest switches the flank. [If] the wide players are off, where are the other options there? The two of them were struggling at the weekend.”
TIF Thoughts…
Neil Lennon has already confirmed that Mikey Johnston ‘may require surgery’ to rectify some injury problems. The young winger had suffered two different injuries in the 2019/20 season as well, leading to him missing as many as 20 games for the Hoops (as per Transfermarkt).
The Hoops had sold Scott Sinclair to Preston in January and that reduced the depth they had in the wide areas, too.
Maryan Shved is an option for the right-wing, but he has made only three appearances in all competitions for the club since last season.
So perhaps, Gannon’s point is right. There is a lack of depth in the wide areas for Celtic and they should sign someone in that position this summer.