Celtic’s dominance in Scotland has been largely uncontested in the past decade and the return of Rangers, their famous rivals, has not affected them from winning titles. The Hoops claimed back-to-back trebles under Brendan Rodgers in the past two seasons and are now eyeing their eighth successive Premiership title amid speculations of a tougher contest from their Glasgow counterparts.
The Light Blues have been humiliated time and again whenever they locked horns in the latest Old Firm derbies but seem rejuvenated this term under newly appointed boss Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England midfield icon, who has already sanctioned an array of new recruits at Ibrox in order to reconfigure the Gers and dethrone Brendan Rodgers – the Northern Irishman who was in charge of Liverpool during the final years of Gerrard’s illustrious Anfield regime.
The Hoops, in contrary, are significantly quiet in the transfer market and have only tied down custodian Scott Bain and young forward Odsonne Edouard to a permanent deal in the aftermath of successful loan spells. Edouard, the French youth international who progressed through the academy ranks of Paris St-Germain, has been wrapped up in a club-record deal, meanwhile, several exits are also on the cards at Parkhead.
Highly-rated youngster Kieran Tierney is linked with a move to Everton whereas Stuart Armstrong, the versatile midfielder, has already joined Southampton a few days back. Cristian Gamboa, the Costa Rican full-back, is likely to end his miserable spell under Rodgers who did not fancy him in his plans and Wigan Athletic star Nathan Byrne is now rumoured to join the Bhoys to compete with Mikael Lustig for a place in the first-team.
The 26-year-old right-back enjoyed an extremely successful campaign for the Latics who conquered the League One to script an immediate return to Championship football. Byrne appeared 51 times altogether last season and assisted 8 times down the right flank signifying his contribution high up the pitch with strong crossing and passing attributes.
He was key to Wigan’s stunning 1-0 win against Premier League winners Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round tie and the defender’s blistering form has now drawn the attention of the Scottish champions who are working steadily towards strengthening themselves ahead of a long and intriguing campaign.
Byrne has entered the final 12 months of his contract at DW Stadium and will be available in a cut-price deal if Rodgers genuinely registers his interest in the former Tottenham Hotspur prospect. The defender has his experience in various English League outfits but showed a significant upsurge last season while chasing promotion.
Predominantly a right-back, the Englishman also fits in at right wingback due to his attacking flair. Therefore, he will be instrumental if a ‘back three’ is preferred by the manager. Although football in Championship is quite challenging, Celtic’s offer will be too tempting to ignore amid opportunity to experience Champions League football and a transfer will indeed boost the Hoops to maintain their dominance in Scottish top tier.
