As Celtic prepare to wrap up title number six this weekend attention is focusing on another number- ten.
This title looks like being the final one involving Emilio Izaguirre leaving just three players who’ve been involved from the start of the run- Scott Brown, Mikael Lustig and James Forrest.
The squad quickly assembled by Neil Lennon in 2010 formed the backbone of the first five titles but the turnover has been marked with a number of new faces replacing other familiar players who have moved on.
Kris Commons scored the goals that delivered the 13/14 title but has still to surface this year, Leigh Griffiths was the main man last season but has taken a back seat this term as Moussa Dembele scores for fun.
In a perfect world Brendan Rodgers will still be managing Celtic in four years time but that is dependant on a number of issues but if Celtic can deliver on their part of the bargain it’s unlikely that the Irishman will be touting his services elsewhere.
With all of those factors in mind I’m nominating five players who’ll be chasing the ten- assuming that there’s no late collapse from Brendan’s Bhoys over the coming weeks.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper is looking sharper and fitter than he has for a number of seasons and could well have a role to play in four years time.
This will be his seventh title winning medal having picked up one under Gordon Strachan back in season 2007/08.
He could be in a coaching role by the time the 10-in-a-row season kicks off but is likely to still be scrapping and inspiring on the park.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
About to pick up his third title winners medal this season has been one of real progress for the Academy graduate.
He has been with Celtic since the age of ten and is becoming more influential.
Back in 2014 he scored the first goal of the Ronny Deila era, next season will be a big one for the midfielder as he attempts to establish himself as a first team regular.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Will probably be having fall outs with management, splitting supporter opinion and piping in with 20-30 goals a season.
Nothing is predictable with the striker but he is a survivor and keeps coming back for more.
Winning at Tynecastle gives him extra pleasure- as he picks up his fourth title winning medal he’ll fancy being around for a good few more.
JACK AITCHISON
The outstanding young player coming through the club’s academy system he has a mature game way beyond his years.
Managing him through next season will be crucial either in and around the first team at Celtic or banging in goals on a well thought out loan.
He laid down his marker with a goal in Ronny Deila’s last match in charge, he could well be the leading scorer as we go for 10.
KRISTOFFER AJER
Another Deila connection, signed under the reign of his fellow Norwegian but never given the chance to work together.
His loan move to Kilmarnock seems to be working out perfectly getting the game time needed and learning about the real world of pressure and expectations.
A switch in position seems to be working well, there aren’t many teenagers getting regular football in central defence- the ones that do tend to be exceptional.