Celtic have been in a sheer rampaging mood on the domestic soil this season and have seemingly appeared to be miles ahead of the other Scottish sides. The Celts, having already clinched the Scottish Premiership silverware, are yet to be defeated in the league and with their last 5-1 victory over their arch rivals, Rangers, last weekend, they have strengthened their flag of their territorial supremacy.
This season, they have already added the League Cup and the league title to their trophy cabinet and are due to face Aberdeen later this month in the final of the Scottish Cup, winning which would earn them a domestic treble. However, the continuation of such stellar performances next season would indeed hold paramount importance and the players and the manager must ensure the same, and yes, they must better their stature in the Champions League as well.
Many of the players who have plied their trade under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers this campaign have thrown themselves into the limelight and have fallen on the radar of many top clubs across the continent. Sadly, the Glasgow giants do not possess the financial muscle as the likes of Premier League sides and are seemingly likely to lose out on some of their key players. Reportedly, their central defender, Jozo Simunovic is also linked to various clubs, which implies that as a precautionary measure, the former Liverpool boss should start assessing his targets to replace him.
Norwich City’s veteran central defender, Ryan Bennett, could be an astute signing by Rodgers in summer if a void is generated by the departure of Simunovic. Rodgers has been a long-time admirer of Bennett whom he tried to lure to the Liberty Stadium when he was in charge of Swansea City. The summer transfer window would be an excellent opportunity to lure him to the Celtic Park, considering his contract expires at the end of this season and he might be personally vouching for new endeavours.
So far this season in the Championship, the 27-year-old has collected 33 appearances, whilst which he has registered 0.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 5.9 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game on an average. Though this hasn’t been the best of seasons for him, he is undoubtedly approaching the peak time of his career and his best days are just over the horizon. Nonetheless, he is a fine centre-back who would add resilience to the defensive setup of the Bhoys and enable Rodgers to maintain the momentum which he and his troops have carved this season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
