Celtic are on the top of their game this season. The Hoops are 22 games unbeaten in domestic competitions and have won 21 of those in the process. Only once, they had to settle for a draw and Inverness were the lucky team to get the points against Rodgers’ side. What an appointment Rodgers is turning out to be! Despite the Bhoys’ poor showing in Europe, the Ulsterman has done enough to become a cult hero at Parkhead and his side are running away with the title.
Always looking for improvisation is an important trait of a good manager. We have to wait and see if Rodgers stays silent during the winter transfer window or strengthen his squad even more. He might be happy with the way his team is doing but a long-term target Conor Hourihane delaying contract talks with Barnsley could give him a second thought.
The Daily Mail claim that Barnsley skipper Conor Hourihane has delayed contract talks with the Tykes until the summer and it seems highly unlikely that he will play in a Barnsley shirt next season. His story has been an inspiring one and has a bright future in coming years and Celtic could be his big chance to make a name at the top level.
Hourihane was a driving force in Barnsley’s double assault as they won the League One play-offs and the EFL Trophy last season. Since joining the Tykes from Plymouth Argyle in 2014, he has played 127 games for the club so far and his return is quite impressive for a midfielder. The 25-year-old has scored 29 goals and set up 43 more in the process which is a brilliant figure.
Barnsley were a newly-promoted club this time out but have done really well and are sitting at the top half right now and Hourihane’s impressive showings have been a key reason behind that. He was also named the Championship player of the month for September. A central midfielder blessed with an incredible work rate, Hourihane can bring added quality to Celtic’s midfield.
He has made 2.4 key passes this season and completed an average of 53.8 passes every game with an accuracy of 80.9%. The 25-year-old has brilliant defensive work rate as well which is well-reflected from his 4 tackles, 3.7 interceptions and 2.3 clearances every game. A brilliant free-kick taker, the 25-year-old is a threat in set piece situations.
An all-round midfielder with good defensive and attacking duties, a leading figure and pretty young too, Hourihane could be a big success at Parkhead in coming years. Not goal shy and a regular assist provider (4 goals and 10 assists this season), the Irishman is an ideal midfielder in Rodgers’ system.
