Kieran Tierney is the Celtic transfer every fan wants but an icon spots another position that needs levelling up
Celtic are in the market for attacking reinforcements in January. But Brian McClair reckons Brendan Rodgers should be targeting a new right-back to bolster his Treble-chasing squad.
There could be plenty of movement at Parkhead next month as the Hoops seek to add fresh firepower to their ranks, with the champions also eyeing a sensational move for out-of-contract Kieran Tierney. A homecoming for the Prodigal Son may have to wait until the summer when his Arsenal deal expires, but former Celts hero Choccy believes it's the opposite side of the defence that requires some tough love.
Alistair Johnston - longlisted for the Best FIFA Men's XI after an impressive 2024 - has made the position his own, with Anthony Ralston playing second fiddle. Yet when asked which areas should be improved, McClair told Record Sport: "I think potentially a right-back, although there are quite strong rumours that there's a lot of interest from both parties with regards to Kieran Tierney.
"Competition for all positions is a great thing, and just about everywhere, they've got some reasonable competition. Maybe a right full-back position is the only one I would suggest. I think they are pretty well set up. Of course, if any decent players become available in any position at a reasonable price, then Celtic should be interested.
"Particularly homegrown players, there are one or two young ones - most notably Lennon Miller at Motherwell - although I think it's better for him to be continuing to play first-team football rather than being part of a squad. But he'd be someone that they should be very keen on in the not-so-distant future."
It's believed academy graduate Tierney - who left for a record-breaking £25million switch to the Gunners in 2019 - is keen on an emotional return to his boyhood heroes. And McClair - who notched an astonishing 126 goals in just over 200 games for Celtic - is adamant the Scotland star was reluctant to leave in the first place.
He said: "It's always a difficult one when you've been away and you're coming back, particularly if you've left for a substantial amount of money. I don't think that Kieran wanted to leave in the first place.
"I think the situation was manifested in the sense that it was suitable for nearly all parties. But if it came down to choice, then I think Kieran would've stayed because he's the type of lad who is a Celtic supporter who, at the time, wanted to spend all of his career at Celtic Park.
"He's had a few experiences - some good ones and some not so good ones. That will help him in the decision-making on where he might be at his happiest. I think that's something that's probably at the foremost of his mind. He wants to play football and where would he be happiest? Perhaps that would be back at Celtic Park."
One major stumbling block would be Tierney's £120,000-a-week salary at the Emirates. The 27-year-old would have to accept a substantial pay cut in order to seal a move back to his beloved club. However, the defender would still be among the top earners at Parkhead, including Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and £11m summer signing Arne Engels.
Belgium international Engels, 21, has taken time to adjust to Scottish football and was taken out of the spotlight by Rodgers in previous weeks amid criticism surrounding his form. The classy playmaker has still made a major contribution in his first four months in Glasgow, stepping up in pressure moments with 13 goal contributions.
McClair insists the club's record transfer will only get better after top displays against Motherwell and St Johnstone. He said: "I think the last couple of games he's been very impressive. Celtic signed him with the idea that he would improve in Scotland as a footballer. He's still a young player and I think that's the whole idea of it.
"When you become a signing for such a big amount of money in Scottish terms, there's a lot of expectation. Brendan has managed them very well. He played regularly at the start and then gave him a bit of a breather. Whether he thought his form had dipped or it was just to protect him, I don't know. But certainly in the last couple of games he's been outstanding."
Meanwhile McClair has warned Atlanta United they'll have to stump up more than £10m to land fans' favourite Kyogo. The MLS side - who lured Giorgios Giakoumakis to the States two years ago - have been linked with an ambitious swoop for the Japanese striker. McClair, though, is confident Kyogo will be staying put unless a substantial offer is put on the table for the frontman, who turns 30 next month.
He added: "Celtic will always be in the situation that if they get the right offer for any players, it will be considered. I don't think that £10m would be enough for Kyogo. I couldn't say what would exactly make Celtic listen, but you have to look at the recent transfers and the sums that have been achieved for selling players, so it would have to be higher than that. Maybe not a huge amount more, but higher than that."
Brian McClair was speaking to Gambling.com ahead of the launch of their Glasgow - Are you Blue or Green? Fan Vote campaign. Rangers and Celtic fans can vote for their team and turn interactive billboards blue or green throughout the city before the Old Firm derby on January 2nd - as well as getting the chance to win hospitality tickets for themselves and two others to a game of their choice this season.
