Reported Celtic target Mark McKenzie just can’t keep his name away from the headlines, and last night he fired himself front and centre with a stunning goal against DC United.
It wasn’t Philadelphia’s strongest performance as they were forced to come from behind against the MLS’ lowest-ranked side. However, McKenzie showed his character and responsibility as he smashed home a rocket; albeit with the aid of a slight deflection.
Even so, the MLS fans simply can’t get enough of him as he bagged his first senior goal in the 2-2 draw yesterday. The result was enough to ensure ground wasn’t lost on Toronto at the top of the Eastern Conference. Both sides ended up drawing on the night, ensuring McKenzie’s Union sit three points behind them in second.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph tweeted after the window had closed and stated that Celtic are still interested in the American. And below, you can have a look at his fine effort against DC as well as some of the fan reaction to the goal:
https://twitter.com/BrianSciaretta/status/1316560206424354817
https://twitter.com/DontTreadSoccer/status/1316557969631387649
https://twitter.com/pfandrews/status/1316558379024777218
https://twitter.com/braceletthrower/status/1316558773343920129
Ajer’s natural replacement
We’ve been linked with so many centre-backs over the last 12 months as speculation mounts over the future of Kristoffer Ajer. However, for me, this is the one Celtic simply have to be going for.
Every transfer is a risk – we know that. Nobody is going to be a guaranteed success story. But McKenzie has absolutely everything you would want in your replacement centre-back.
He has a fine clean sheet record, valuable first-team experience on a weekly basis, is strong in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, and apparently has one heck of a shot on him too. All of that and he’s only 21.
We like to keep you regularly informed of developments on Celtic-linked targets, and McKenzie is one who just keeps popping up regularly. Whether it be an appraisal from his manager or a thunderbolt of a goal – the positive press the USA youngster has bagged in recent months is terrific. And he’s clearly impressing MLS fans who watch him regularly too.
Ajer, meanwhile, is surely going to be off in the summer. The Hoops must do what they can to keep him for the 10, but afterward, he’ll be into the final 12 months of his contract and a fee simply has to be agreed. There are no signs of him penning a new deal.
So work has to start now on finding his replacement, and when it comes to potential options, how on earth can you look past USA international McKenzie?
In other news, Celtic defender played a massive part in a big night for his country last night; it’s time he got some credit.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
