Things are getting from bad to worse for Neil Lennon with no win yet this year and the Hoops, aiming a historic ‘ten in a row’ league triumph are 20 points behind their bitter rivals Rangers. But the show must go on and according to the Daily Record, Celtic want James McCarthy and Tom Ince in their attempt to bolster the squad with more quality and class.
Why Celtic Are Keen On Having McCarthy In The Middle Of The Park
The champions of Scotland were keen on the pair last summer and have reignited the interest now in spite of the ongoing crisis at Celtic Park. McCarthy, 30, will be a free agent once his contract expires by the end of the 2020-21 season and the Irish midfield general of Crystal Palace is also in the books of Burnley, Brighton, West Brom and Bournemouth who wish to have him on a Bosman transfer.
His minutes have been limited this campaign despite featuring week in, week out in 2019-20 and the former Wigan and Everton star must decide whether he would return to the surroundings where it all began for him with Hamilton Academical back in 2006. Scott Brown, in his mid-thirties, is past his prime and the addition of the Republic of Ireland international would see them have someone to carry the legacy forward in terms of experience and expertise from the centre of the pitch.
Why They Are After Tom Ince
Tom Ince, meanwhile, has lost his place at Stoke City who are fighting for the lost glory under Michael O’Neill and a loan move until the end of the season is tipped to be sanctioned for first-team minutes. The 28-year-old Englishman is a familiar figure in the championship circuit who also played his part in Huddersfield Town’s Premier League relegation escape in 2017-18. His versatility across the frontline would be a welcome boost for Celtic who have been lacking enough creativity of late high up the pitch.
Although the likes of Ryan Christie, Tom Rogic, David Turnbull, Michael Johnston and Mohamed Elyounoussi are there to operate from the left, right and middle, none except Turnbull has justified their reputation in respective roles. The Hoops have little to play for this term, but the decision of roping in Ince makes sense as they need someone to uplift the show to avoid further damage.
As things stand, Celtic want James McCarthy and Tom Ince to improve the show overcoming the catastrophe.
