Andy Robertson has reportedly decided to return to Celtic, with Parkhead bosses preparing to begin negotiations with the Scotland captain as early as January.
The Hoops could certainly use his experience on the European stage, where they suffered another heavy defeat in midweek. This time it was Midtjylland who were the beneficiaries, as they took a three-goal lead before half-time to win 3-1. Martin O’Neill has managed to turn things around domestically so far, but he has been unable to do anything to stop the rot in the Europa League.
“It was a tough night, there’s no question about that. From a European football point of view, they’re a very good team, strong, very physical. The goals we conceded weren’t good, but in the end it didn’t have much to do with physicality and certainly two of those goals had nothing to do with it in the sense that we were left one-on-one.”
“To play football at the top level, you need not only ability but also mentality, and I think sometimes mentality can outweigh ability.” (O’Neill, on Celtic’s defeat in midweek)
The defeat revealed the task of the next permanent manager, but Celtic Park do not yet know who that person will be.
O’Neill again distanced himself from his duties when questioned, telling reporters: “I’ll be here as long as the football committee wants me. It’s that simple. It could be at the weekend, it could be after the Kilmarnock game. I don’t know.”
Whoever the next player is, whether it’s Nicky Hayen, Kieran McKenna or another name, must head into the transfer window to welcome much-needed experience and quality.
Andy Robertson decides to return to Celtic
TeamTalk reports that Robertson is now open to returning to Celtic as early as January and signing a pre-contract agreement. “This is a move that makes perfect sense for him personally,” a source told Teamtalk, adding that the Hoops were ready to swoop in to secure an early deal.
If the Scottish giants are looking for experience and quality, Robertson is their man. Liverpool’s iconic left-back arguably deserves a starting spot at Anfield over new signing Milos Kerkes, but he still has less than 12 months left on his current contract. Given that the Reds signed Kelkes to replace Robertson last summer, a new deal seems unlikely at this stage.
At this rate, Celtic should be able to strike a bargain deal with the 31-year-old Champions League winner who is taking the Scottish Premiership by storm.
Robertson, who was once hailed as a “perfect player” by Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio, will be one of this summer’s signings if the Bhoys secure him on a free contract.
Their academy graduate won everything in English football and is now open to coming full circle and returning to finish unfinished business in Scotland.
