The true hallmark of a club’s growth is characterized by the development of the club rather than the success of it. A fine example of it would be watching Leicester City. The club who were playing in England’s third-tier football competition in the 2008-09 season oversaw a dynamic rise to fame by clinching England’s most prestigious domestic league title in a time span of seven years. Another fine example of a club working within a stringent budget but keeping up with Europe’s elite would be Celtic. The Hoops are no doubt the leaders of Scotland but credit must be given to them for managing to fight against the top European candidates as well and on occasions getting the better of them.
A major ingredient in a club’s development is the ability of the club to spot and more importantly invest on the right players. In the modern era, where big money transfers have become the norm and a scouting network that has spread like a web to an extent that even a prospect with a glimpse of promise is snapped up in the blink of an eye, it is important for the clubs with lesser funds to find the right targets and more importantly use them well to win matches and championships. It is in this light, that the availability of Michael Devlin next summer, could be of great interest to Celtic.
For Celtic, it is not regular to think that a side who lost 7-1in Europe in one midweek to be playing a domestic cup final that very same weekend. However, Celtic’s domestic performances have been very contrasting to their European form this season. While in the Scottish Premier League they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure has seen them struggle in front of the European powerhouses. In the other domestic cup, they are now in the final and face Motherwell for the trophy.
Celtic have won fourteen and drawn five in the league and lost just once. However, as one might recall, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy defeat drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain and were again reminded of the difference in class between the two sides in their last outing when they were thrashed 7-1. They, however, still clinched the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, once again reminding Europe that they are there and thereabouts.
Celtic are heavily loaded in attack but a defensive addition might not be the worst idea for Rogers. It is in this light, that Celtic could be in the running for Hamilton Academical defender Michael Devlin. Devlin, whose contract runs out this summer, has already been shown interest in by a number of clubs in the Championship.
Devlin who suffered a long-term injury last season around March has been out of action since. He is yet to play this season but the player’s quality is enough to have suitors lining up for him. Devlin, who came through the youth academy of Hamilton, can leave for free as his contract runs over next summer but the Scottish club will surely ask for a remuneration of some form having raised the player throughout his professional career.
For Celtic, Devlin could be vital addition given the defensive worries they face through injuries and suspensions. Moreover, a free transfer for a player of Devlin’s experience could be just the signing needed to boost the thin defensive numbers at Celtic.
