The good old days of Scottish football might get revisited once more in Rangers FC emerging as title contenders once more and ending age-old rivals Celtic’s domination who are favourites to win their seventh consecutive Premiership title. The Gers, however, returned to the top tier last year spending four seasons in lower divisions following a demotion and were expected to challenge for the silverware under Pedro Caixinha who brought in 11 new players to reconstruct the squad.
But things went completely wrong for the Portuguese tactician and a series of disappointing outcomes resulted in a sack a few weeks back. The Glasgow heavyweights are reportedly eyeing a swoop for current Australia boss Ange Postecoglou as the next Rangers gaffer who is tipped to lure the Socceroo teenage sensation, Riley McGree who has been a long-term transfer target of the Hoops. However, it is now being reported that Celtic are interested in the Australian as well.
Despite being monitored by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, McGree joined Belgian outfit Club Brugge in summer from his boyhood side Adelaide United. Although the 19-year-old midfielder made only 22 senior appearances in A-League and yet to make his debut for Club Brugge, Postecoglou did not hesitate to call him up for the senior side’s crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE and his appointment might convince the player to join his venture at Rangers Football Club.
Celtic, however, are expected to lock horn with Rangers for McGree if he considers a switch to Premiership and the player must consider things rationally before making his next move. His transfer to Club Brugge has not worked out so far and even if Postecoglou takes charge at Ibrox, McGree must prefer a move to Celtic Park to play for ex-Liverpool gaffer Brendan Rodgers. Celtic are miles ahead of the Gers’ at this moment and also maintain their Champions League status consistently. Rodgers is known for nurturing youth and will certainly hand him opportunities in his usual central midfield role.
The left-footed teenager is considered the next big thing for the Socceroos and hailed for his matured and balanced display along with great vision in the middle of the park. He, undoubtedly, needs to sharpen up a few things and although his game is well known to Postecoglou, the player must decide what is going to be better for his career growth and should accept Celtic’s offer to flourish under Brendan Rodgers.
The Hoops already have a plethora of central midfield options in form of skipper Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor and Nir Bitton whereas French youngster Olivier Ntcham is also enjoying a great inception of his Celtic career since concluding a summer switch from Manchester City.
The likes of Liam Henderson and Eboue Kouassi are being considered their ‘next-gen’ superstars and McGree will be undergoing a hefty competition to stake a claim in Celtic first-team, unlike their city rivals. But the contest will help him to take his game to the next level and eventually break into the senior side if he keeps his head down, accepts the challenge and continues to impress.
