According to the reports from the Scotsman, Celtic are set to enter the race with Rangers for League One ace Ronan Darcy. The Hoops have been keeping tabs on young forward’s progress, and it remains to be seen now whether they make a concrete offer for him in the future.
Darcy currently plies his trade for League One outfit Bolton Wanderers. Given Wanderers’ off the pitch troubles, they have had to use academy players for the first team this season, and Darcy has already made seven appearances in all competitions this season. The 18-year-old will become a free agent by next summer as he only signed a year-long deal with Bolton this summer.
Darcy is likely being seen as a prospect for the future as he is unlikely to be ready to play first-team football for Celtic. However, the experience of playing for Bolton will help him in the long run even though he might be struggling to get going now. The striker has managed to bag just one goal so far this season which came in the Carabao Cup tie. Bolton went on to lose that game to Rochdale 5-2.
Does Celtic need forwards?
Lennon has a top-class centre forward in Odsonne Edouard, but beyond him his options are limited. Leigh Griffiths has been troubled with personal and injury issues in the last few months, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to get back to his former best. Vakoun Issouf Bayo was signed in January this year, but he is yet to prove himself for the Hoops.
So Lennon could eye a forward in the future, but Darcy is unlikely to solve his first-team problems as he looks more like an option for the future.
Should Lennon sign him?
Bolton’s financial crisis though helped Darcy get the first-team experience, but now he is down the pecking order at the club. English club Leicester City are also interested in him so that in itself is a testament to the talent of the youngster. Darcy is more in the mould of a targetman kind of a striker as he can hold up play well and use his physicality to good effect.
Given the physical nature of the Premiership, it is often essential for the players to have the strength to shrug off challenges and Darcy is someone who can cope with that. However, he still has some way to go before he can establish himself at the top level. Celtic can consider signing him in the future as he will be low-risk signing because of his current contract situation.
