Celtic face going into the Europa League with just two striking options.
Stefan Scepovic’s departure to Getafe on loan raised expectations that a new striker was in the pipeline but with less than three hours left till the deadline for the Europa League it seems certain that Ronny Deila will have to choose between Leigh Griffiths and Nadir Ciftci for the matches against Ajax, Fenerbahce and Molde.
Bolton made an enquiry about Anthony Stokes earlier in the day but were unable to match his wages never mind come up with a transfer fee for the Irishman.
Deila’s formation only requires one striker but with Ciftci coming in from the cold it looks like the striking burden will fall on Leigh Griffiths over the next four months.
One step behind in the Development squad Michael Duffy and Paul McMullan have been sent out on loan to Alloa and St Mirren. In the three league matches played this season Stokes, Luke Donnelly and Ciaran Lafferty have played in the striking role. Donnelly has flourished as an attacking midfielder over the last six months while Lafferty’s goal at Hibs last week was his first strike at that level.
Aidan Nesbitt has scored four times in three Development League matches but has been used across the three attacking midfield roles.
While the striking question is the one on supporters minds tonight the signing of Jozo Simunovic is expected before the 11pm deadline tonight.
Terms have been agreed with Dinamo Zagreb with just the paperwork to be completed to ensure that the Croatian u-21 internationalist can sign up with a date with Ajax in Amsterdam to come before the month is out.
An out of contract player could be signed to play in Scotland but the Europa League deadline at 11pm Celtic Park Time looks certain to be passed without any striker signing.
It is a major concern and decent strikers are hard to come by.
Hopefully a last minute addition will come through.
Two strikers isn’t a problem, because Ronny only uses one at s time anyway. He doesn’t like strikers. There’s no room for them in his negative tactics.
Mind you, we probably won’t get past the halfway line in the Europa league anyway so won’t need strikers
I’d have been more concerned if we had joined the madness and wasted £5m+ on more duds.
Difficult market obviously but Grabban £7m & Naismith £8m….insane.
Besides I don’t recall Tony Watt having a great deal of experiencer at top level but it didn’t stop him scoring in Europe…nor Marshall, Kennedy – when the call comes I’m sure we will be ready.
Defence was a major concern, both this year & last…so a brand new back 4 to help out the keeper who saved us from some thrashings last season.
I expect Griffiths & Cifti to score 40+ goals between them this season, now we need to ensure they get some quality service. We could have Ronaldo, Messi & Suarez up front but the service has been pathetic overall.
Porto also play with this formation and also only have 2 strikers (Osvaldo and Aboubakar .. with only André Silva as back up ) … and they are in the Champs League … We needed to replace the Defence and get backup for those positions … we have that now. Think next we need to either scout or look to our academy squad for a defensive midfielder to replace Bitton (not that I want rid but we should have 2 players to play in every position) Who is up front for the development squad ? Will he likely get some minutes to see what he can bring to the first team ? Agree completely about the lack of service … Our wide players really need to start improving on their crossing … Forrest especially ..