With the transfer window opening in less than six weeks’ time Celtic supporters are looking for arrivals with a new striker top of the wish list.
Odsonne Edouard has been a one man strike-force for the majority of the season with fans hoping that he can survive through to the winter break unscathed.
While the focus is on arrivals almost as importantly is players going out on loan with Celtic starting to enjoy some success from that option.
Kris Ajer and Ryan Christie both went out on loan to gain first team experience which accelerated their development with both men transformed when they returned to the hoops.
Loan deals can be a case of hit or miss, the demands of the loan club are as important with no manager prepared to select a player to do Celtic a turn while their job is on the line.
During the summer transfer window Celtic brought in a number of ‘project’ signings, over the last few months they’ve got to train and understand the demands of the club while the coaching staff have been able to gauge exactly where the new signings are in their careers.
Of the players brought in two in particular are in need of first team football, it’s unlikely that five months of occasional reserve matches is going to put them any closer to Neil Lennon’s side.
LEE O’CONNOR
When he was discussing a move to Celtic there was a clear opening at right-back but despite now being a full internationalist he finds himself fourth choice at Celtic.
Moritz Bauer is only at the club on loan but in Hatem Abd Elhamed and Jeremie Frimpong Lennon has Mikael Lustig’s old position well covered.
O’Connor has played 15 international matches this year at u-19, u-21 and full level- getting a few months of top team action at an English club should see him start the 20/21 season as a serious first team contender.
LUCA CONNELL
The midfielder arrived in a blaze of publicity in June, picking Celtic ahead of options in England after making 14 appearances last season at Bolton.
After playing a few reserve matches Connell has most recently been seen playing pool against Leigh Griffiths at Lennoxtown.
With Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham struggling to get game time it’s unlikely that Connell will be knocking on the first team door. A stint down south wouldn’t do him any harm with Bolton an obvious option for the Irish youth internationalist.