Celtic, the Champions of Scotland, announced their first summer signing in the form of Christopher Julien soon after confirming the breakdown of talks with David Turnbull and his representatives. But the Hoops are expecting a mass exodus ahead of the upcoming term and Scott Allan, their outcast midfield ace, has blamed the club for treating him unprofessionally as they failed to land John McGinn from Hibernian last summer.
The 27-year-old was frozen out completely by ex-boss Brendan Rodgers and had no idea whether to train with the first-team or alone in the gym following the fallout between Celtic and Hibs over the McGinn saga. The Scotsman later joined Aston Villa in the Championship and Allan, supposed to return to Easter Road after impressing on loan, underwent a year of bitterness at Parkhead having spent his time with the reserves.
The former Scotland U21 international signed a pre-contract agreement with Hibernian in January. Now, he is desperate to put the disappointment behind him by kicking the ball again after spending a complete season without featuring in a competitive fixture. He kept his head and stayed professional but did not hide his frustration in a recent interview.
“On transfer deadline night I was battering my phone – but nothing happened! There were other factors, obviously between the two clubs, and I was caught in the middle of it. It just wasn’t to be. I just wanted to come somewhere where I am appreciated and have a good relationship with the people and the hierarchy.”
Revealed the player (as claimed by the Daily Record) who was a part of Celtic’s 2015-16 title-winning squad under Ronny Deila. But he soon became surplus to requirements following Rodgers’ appointment and spent his time on loan with Rotherham United, Dundee and most recently Hibernian under then boss Neil Lennon.
The Northern Irishman was re-appointed as the Celtic chief when the ex-Liverpool gaffer left for Leicester City. Yet Allan was not recalled into action even after securing the silverware with a few games left.
Paul Heckingbottom, the current Hibs head coach, has backed Allan to re-establish his once-promising career and stated (as quoted by the BBC Sport):
“There’s no shame in not getting in their team. Celtic have won every trophy going – that’s why he wasn’t playing. I’m delighted that we have him – he loves it here and the fans love him.”
The Bhoys indeed have better players to feature in the middle of the park and Allan, from the very beginning of his Celtic days, struggled to live up to the expectations. It was not meant to be for him at Parkhead, but the club should have granted his wish over forcing him to stay without offering an opportunity to resurrect his status.
