Derek McInnes is surprised that Celtic didn’t make a Deadline Day move for Ali McCann.
The midfielder was one of the outstanding talents in last season’s SPFL Premiership as St Johnstone pulled off a cup double.
McCann was central to that success, driving and dominating from midfield as part of a system that worked perfectly for Callum Davidson in his first season in management.
Ange Postecoglou faced a massive rebuilding programme but the domestic market was overlooked as a new look Celtic was put together.
James McCarthy was the only midfield signing with the former Crystal Palace man still to make an impact on a midfield that has largely been dependent on Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull.
Preston picked up McCann for just £1.2m, discussing the former St Johnstone midfielder, McInnes told the Daily Record:
McCann lacks a bit of finesse and quality with his final pass and he could probably score more goals, but he has everything else.
He handled St Johnstone’s European games and is now an international performer with Northern Ireland.
He is a responsible midfielder, a real competitor who knows his job and is good on the ball. I have played and managed in the English Championship and he will deal with that fine. I am just surprised and disappointed that neither player has stayed in the Scottish league.
McCann would have been an easy one for Celtic or Rangers to take and such a hard one for Callum to replace.
Celtic do have Liam Shaw, Kerr McInroy and Ewan Henderson in reserve with Scott Robertson out on loan at Crewe Alexandra.