A dramatic late win against Kilmarnock has stretched Celtic’s lead to eight points over rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership standings. The Hoops are now frontrunners to clinch an eighth successive Scottish crown despite the Gers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard’s tutelage.
A dreadful summer was compensated with some exciting transfers during the winter window. Nevertheless, the Parkhead outfit are still keeping close tabs on highly-rated prospects and scouting them extensively as per reports.
According to The Express (19 February, page 47), the Bhoys are set to rival old-firm rivals Rangers for the signing of 19-year-old John Mahon. The Republic of Ireland centre-back received his maiden U-21 call up in January and was reportedly scouted by the Hoops U-21 head of recruitment Willie McStay last Friday.
Mahon is currently enjoying his football in Ireland with Sligo Rovers – the top tier outfit who finished seventh last season in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Although Sligo drew 1-1 with Dundalk on Friday night, the teenager impressed in deep defence exhibiting his calm, composed and matured defensive attributes.
The player is lauded for his physicality, positioning as well as his game-reading ability that helps him come up with timely blocks, challenges and interceptions. He is also drawing attention from England with Blackburn Rovers and Derby County keen on roping him in. But a move to Celtic is being predicted considering gaffer Brendan Rodgers’ influence on the youth and his expertise in shaping them up as top-notch resources.
Celtic, meanwhile, would be having a crisis at the back once the season is over. Filip Benkovic will return to his parent club Leicester City after a promising season-long loan stint whereas wantaway Dedryck Boyata; their central defensive ace is likely to part ways in the summer upon expiration of his current contract.
Kristoffer Ajer, the Norwegian youngster, has been a revelation under the former Liverpool chief as he holds a bright future in the heart of the Bhoys backline. But their defensive third lacks enough depth and Jozo Simunovic, the other centre-back option, has failed to earn the manager’s trust due to inconsistency as well as injury woes.
Mahon won’t be slotted straight into their starting lineup, and the champions must cash in on an experienced individual to balance the books. But the starlet would have enough opportunities to prove his worth. Therefore, he should concentrate on his game and keep on improving to smoothen a summer switch.
