Whereas Celtic are nicely geared up to win one more Scottish Premiership title, the query that may very well be requested is simply how good might their aspect have been?
The Hoops’ squad has all the time been blessed with numerous high class gamers in years passed by, equivalent to Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama, who’ve gone on to get pleasure from various levels of success elsewhere.
Forward of their Old Firm conflict with Rangers this Sunday, talkSPORT.com takes a take a look at how Celtic might have appeared in the event that they stored their star names.
Fraser Forster (Goalkeeper)
Earlier than sealing a £10m transfer to Southampton in 2014, Forster made 197 appearances for Celtic, who got here of age as a goalkeeper throughout his time in Scotland.
The 6ft 7in Foster loved numerous memorable moments throughout his time with the membership, together with a record-breaking 13 clear sheets, whereas there was the excellent Champions League performances towards Barcelona, which earned him reward from Lionel Messi.
Mikael Lustig (Defender)
Like former right-back and fellow countryman Johan Mjallby, Lustig has done the position justice and while he has not left the club, it would make for interesting viewing to see him perform in this side, especially with the calibre of talent next to him.
Virgil van Dijk (Defender)
Extensively thought of the most effective defender on the earth at current, Van Dijk has been a colossus on the again for each Liverpool and the Netherlands. He spent two seasons with Celtic and his highly effective, commanding shows caught the attention of Southampton, who he joined for £13m in 2015 earlier than touchdown a £75m transfer to Anfield in 2018.
Celtic followers should marvel how various things may very well be in Europe had the world’s most costly participant nonetheless been of their group.
Kieran Tierney (Defender)
Had Celtic been capable of see into the longer term, it’s unlikely they might have launched Scotland captain Andrew Robertson on the age 15. Nevertheless, the membership one other proficient left-back in Tierney, who has performed a serious position in Celtic’s historic ‘double treble’ in 2018 and gained each the Gamers and Writers’ Younger Participant awards for the third successive season.
Stuart Armstorng (Midfield)
The Inverness-born midfielder, who grew up idolising Gianfranco Zola, spent 4 years with the Hoops and gained the league title in each single one in all them.
He was additionally named within the group of the yr thrice, earlier than transferring to, you guessed it… Southampton. The Premier League membership paid round £7m for the Scotland worldwide in 2018.
Victor Wanyama (Midfield)
A 3rd participant offered to Southampton, the imposing Kenyan starred on the coronary heart of Celtic’s midfield for 2 seasons, regardless of making his debut in defence. His first purpose for the membership was a 25-yard strike towards Hearts, whereas he memorably netted a header in a 2-1 win over Barcelona. The 27-year-old joined the Saints in 2013 and moved to Tottenham for £11m three years later the place he’s nonetheless enjoying.
Ki Sung-Yueng (Midfield)
The South Korean star confirmed himself to be a skilful participant, with wonderful approach and composure. A memorable 35-yard marvel strike within the Scottish Cup closing towards Motherwell, helped him win his first piece of silverware with the aspect. He finally moved on to Swansea in 2012.
Joe Ledley (Midfield)
Alongside Wanyama within the coronary heart of a robust midfield, the Welshman definitely made Celtic a formidable power, particularly on an away night time within the Europa League. Ledley captained Celtic on a number of events within the absence of Scott Brown earlier than Crystal Palace secured his companies in 2014.
Aiden McGeady (Midfield)
The previous Eire worldwide loved a trophy-laden spell with Celtic and was one in all their most fun gamers to emerge from the academy lately. Many say he was at his peak earlier than he moved to Spartak Moscow in 2010. Three seasons earlier, McGeady contributed eight targets and 24 assists, to win each the SPFA Participant of the Yr and Younger Participant of the Yr awards. The 32-year-old is presently enjoying for Sunderland.
Moussa Dembele (Striker)
His spell with Celtic was temporary, however it certain was thrilling. After transferring from Fulham in 2016, Dembele ended his debut season with the treble and 32 targets in all competitions. Chelsea have been rumoured to have an interest, however he remained on the membership, regardless of failing to recapture his preliminary kind. Two seasons later, the striker joined Lyon.
Gary Hooper (Striker)
‘Tremendous Hooper’ as he was affectionately recognized, definitely knew the place the purpose was in three seasons in Glasgow between 2010 and 2013. He scored 82 targets in 138 appearances in all competitions, earlier than transferring to Norwich, the place he struggled, however the 31-year-old striker has returned to scoring kind with Sheffield Wednesday.
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