The signing of Jack Hendry surprised most Celtic fans but the former Dundee defender has already made a favourable impression in his first two matches.
After just a couple of months in the Dundee side Hendry had caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers with Neil McCann’s side able to bank a £1m profit for six months work.
His eventual return to Celtic ha certainly involved a few stop off’s with the defender turning out for Partick Thistle, Wigan, Shrewsbury and MK Dons before impressing enough at Dundee to earn his January transfer.
At 22 Hendry is completely different to the 16 year old that left Celtic to look elsewhere for a route into the professional game.
Most realistic kids are aware that the chances of doing a James Forrest or Kieran Tierney are remote but falling just short of the Celtic standard doesn’t mean the end of a professional career or the Celtic dream.
Rodgers has put a real focus on Scottish players as he puts his mark on the Celtic squad and will be carefully assessing opponents every week.
During the summer there could be at least one signing from the domestic game, perhaps the doors may be re-opening for a former Celt to pick up on their hoops career after rebuilding elsewhere.
DYLAN MCGEOUCH
Has quietly but very effectively rebuilt his career at Hibs after being a victim of Celtic’s glut of midfielders.
Alan Stubbs and Neil Lennon have been singing his praises of the 25-year-old who is out of contract in the summer.
John McGinn gets most of the headlines out of Easter Road but it’s very much a partnership with McGeouch attracting more attention.
Celtic are still packed with midfield options but if there is any movement bringing in McGeouch is bound to be an option.
STEPHEN O’DONNELL
Without question the outstanding right-back in the Premiership.
He has been a key part of Kilmarnock’s revival under Steve Clarke, pushing forward with ease and helping to cover in central defence.
After being released by Celtic he made over 100 appearances for Partick Thistle before spending two seasons at Luton Town.
Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa will both be at the World Cup leaving Anthony Ralston as the only option at right-back for the European qualifiers.
MARCUS FRASER
Made a couple of first team appearances, famously making his debut against Rennes in the Europa League, before a cruciate injury took a year out of his career.
Any doubts about his fitness have been dispelled, so far this season he has played in all 27 of Ross County’s Premiership matches.
Playing in a side battling against relegation is the real test for any defender, at 23 there is every reason to believe that Fraser’s career can still reach the heights that were predicted during his teens.