Celtic pundit Paul John Dykes has recently been talking about Celtic target Barry Douglas and has given his verdict about the club’s chase of the Leeds United defender.
Dykes was hosting the latest episode of ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ podcast and the panel talked about many issues surrounding Celtic. They discussed many Celtic transfer targets and Dykes gave his opinion about Douglas. The pundit believes that the Leeds man will be a ‘safer bet’ as backup for Celtic in the left-back position.
It has already been reported by Sky Sports that Douglas is currently ‘high up’ on the club’s list of potential replacements amid rumours linking Boli Bolingoli with a Celtic exit this summer.
Dykes feels that even though Celtic might have the option to look for left-backs that have some sell-on value – such as the Hoops-linked youngster Aaron Hickey – Douglas is someone who would be a ‘safer bet’ as defensive backup.
Is Barry Douglas good enough for Celtic?
Yes, he's good enough
No, he's not good enough
He said: “I would be more comfortable with Douglas, but then you’re looking at the sell-on value. Are you looking for that instant success [for] 10 in a row or are you thinking two or three years down the line?
“I think I would definitely be. I think it is a safer bet to go for Douglas. Douglas would be pushing for the left-back spot straight off the bat.”
TIF Thoughts…
Douglas wasn’t exactly a regular for Leeds in the 2019/20 season and made only 17 appearances in all competitions. In the Championship, he featured in only 15 games and played only 640 minutes in that competition (as per Transfermarkt).
That might suggest Douglas may be suited for a backup role at Celtic, where Greg Taylor has played both Premiership games in the 2020/21 season so far, with Bolingoli not featuring once in the league last season since the turn of the year.
So with Bolingoli appearing to be out of Neil Lennon’s plans, if Taylor remains the first-choice in that position, Douglas may provide greater competition if he signed for the Bhoys this summer.