Celtic legend Chris Sutton has given his verdict about David Marshall and whether the Hoops should sign him or not.
Sutton appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the Record Celtic podcast and he was asked about many things involving the Parkhead side, including the club’s intentions in the transfer market and whether Marshall would be a good signing for the Hoops or not.
It was recently reported that the 35-year-old goalkeeper is on Celtic’s shortlist for potential goalkeeper targets and that Neil Lennon ‘ideally’ wants three goalkeepers in the current squad. The Hoops have already signed Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens.
When talking about whether Marshall would be a good signing for Celtic or not, Sutton said: “I like David Marshall a lot. I’d put him ahead of Scott Bain in the pecking order. I’ve not seen enough of Barkas, if I’m honest. It’d be harsh on [Conor] Hazard in many respects. There’s the argument [that] until you give him the opportunity, you never know how he’s going to do. I understand that argument, but with what’s at stake this season, I think another goalkeeper makes sense, but this may come down to David Marshall and the finance aspect.
Do you think Marshall can replace Gordon?
Yes, he'd be very good
I don't think so
“[He’s] another one who’s a good professional, knows the club inside-out – does that matter? Well, I suppose he knows what’s at stake this season. I don’t think that would be a bad thing, getting another goalkeeper in. Do I think that it is high on the priority list or top of the priority list? Absolutely not. I would rather see talk about Celtic bringing another centre-half in, because that’s what they need and another left-back in, because that’s what they need.”
Sutton seems to like Marshall, who is currently valued at £360k according to Transfermarkt. While he does feel that signing another goalkeeper may not be necessary and focus should be on strengthening in other positions, the fact that Marshall used to play for the Hoops could make him an option for Celtic. It appears that Sutton believes that Marshall would understand how important it is for the Hoops to win their tenth Premiership title in a row this season.
TIF Thoughts…
Marshall came through the ranks at Celtic and broke into the club’s first-team in 2003. He left the Hoops permanently for Norwich City in the summer of 2007 (as per Transfermarkt).
The 35-year-old was a regular for Wigan in the 2019/20 season and he made 40 appearances in all competitions for them, keeping 15 clean sheets. Celtic lost Craig Gordon earlier this summer and he, like Marshall, was an experienced goalkeeper at the age of 37. So if Celtic really want Marshall, he might just be a replacement for Gordon.