According to the reports from Daily Mail as cited by Hartlepool Mail, English club Middlesbrough are planning a raid on Kilmarnock’s right-back Stephen O’Donnell. In the summer it was reported that Celtic were one of the parties interested in signing him. Along with the Scottish Champions, Derby County, Sheffield United and Stoke were also keeping an eye on the player.
O’Donnell’s contract expires next summer, and that makes him an exciting prospect as he could be signed on a free transfer. The 27-year-old was part of Celtic’s youth team in the past before he was let go as it was assumed that he wouldn’t be able to thrive for the Scottish heavyweights.
However, O’Donnell has done well for himself as he has managed to earn 11 national caps for Scotland. There is no doubt that Kilmarnock will look to get him on an extended contract, but a move to somewhere else would definitely be tempting for the right-back at this stage of his career.
Does Celtic need right-backs?
The Hoops were after a right-sided defender for quite some time. Their search came to an end this season as they managed to sign Hatem Abd Elhamed and Mortiz Bauer. Elhamed has surprised everyone with his performances as he has been fantastic so far as a fullback. Bauer has made just a few appearances so far, and the jury is still out on him.
Bauer meanwhile is only on a season-long loan, and it remains to be seen whether he will be offered a new contract by the Hoops next summer. Therefore there will be a need for a right-back at Celtic Park by next summer and the club should be on the lookout to add another option in that position.
Will O’Donnell be a good signing?
We think that the Scotsman will be a decent acquisition on a free transfer. He is versatile enough to play as a fullback and as a defensive midfielder which makes him a top asset. He has impressive on the ball qualities which enables him to play in a slightly advanced role as well down the flanks.
The 27-year-old has decent pace and dribbling skills, and he can deliver some impressive crosses. O’Donnell has already got two goals and one assist to his name this season in 8 Premiership appearances, and he is a proven player at this level. With the Celtic having the advantage of playing European football, they can certainly beat the likes of Middlesbrough to sign this right back.
