Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide has a big summer ahead of him, with Ange Postecoglou set to judge the Englishman in pre-season.
This is what football journalist Pete O’Rourke has told This Is Futbol, with the 21-year-old set to return to Parkhead in the coming months.
Will Urhoghide play for Celtic next season?
Yes
No
Urhoghide was signed last summer from Sheffield Wednesday, but was loaned out in January to Belgian side KV Oostende for the season to rack up some game time.
And that is what he has been doing in recent weeks, with seven appearances under his belt in the Belgian top-flight, having played every minute of their last six games (via Transfermarkt).
It was a difficult start to his time in Glasgow, with no appearances under Postecoglou in the Scottish Premiership and just three call-ups to the squad in the league.
But O’Rourke feels with some games now under his belt in Belgium, Urhoghide could look to impress the Australian in pre-season and earn himself a spot in the manager’s plans:
“He’s a big strong defender as well. He’s got real potential as well, which Celtic saw obviously when they first signed him,” said O’Rourke.
“So I’m sure, pre-season, Postecoglou will have a look at everybody in his squad and then probably make decisions after that. So yeah, it’s going to be a big summer ahead for the young defender as well before Celtic make any decisions on his long-term future.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We also feel it will be an important summer ahead for the defender if he is to play a role in Postecoglou’s side next season given how well they have performed so far this campaign.
The Bhoys have been the best-performing side defensively this season in the top flight with just 20 goals conceded across their 35 games played.
However, with the future of Cameron Carter-Vickers still not confirmed at Parkhead for next season, it is possible a spot could become available for Urhoghide to grab in the squad.
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