Celtic reportedly join chase for Wigan youngster Kyle Joseph

By Euan Davidson

January 12, 2021

Celtic have apparently joined the hunt for young striker Kyle Joseph.

Born in London but a star for the Scotland Under-19s, Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United are watching Joseph with interest (Daily Mirror). Celtic are also said to be keen on the Scottish starlet, who has impressed Latics fans in recent weeks.

On the 29th December, Joseph was instrumental in helping Wigan beat Burton Athletic in a 7-goal thriller (BBC). His hat-trick, at just 19 years of age, has put him on the map, with UK-wide interest in the striker.

Celtic and Rangers had both been linked to the youngster, but the Daily Record have claimed that Steven Gerrard’s men are “not interested”.

With Celtic down to the bare bones upfront, we could’ve certainly used Joseph in a game like last night’s, against Hibs. Due to Coronavirus self-isolation measures, the Bhoys are without a recognised striker for their next game against Livingston.

Kyle Joseph has been linked with Celtic / (Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Celtic could take an educated punt on Kyle Joseph

Joseph, valued at just £90k (Transfermarkt), is a product of the Wigan youth set-up, and was delighted with his goalscoring form. In an interview with Wigan Athletic’s official website after the win over Burton, the Scottish U-19 international said:

“[It was] unreal.

“It’s every kid’s dream to play for the first team and score a hat-trick. It’s something I dreamt of as a boy when playing football with my mates in the park.

“It was a great night for us, we showed the courage and bravery to get back into the game and to get the result we needed.

“There was a bit of pressure with where we were in the league and where they were so it was big game but we needed to put that behind us and do what we do and to be confident.

“The ball will get framed now and put in a box but a proud moment for me. I’ve dreamt of it since I was a little boy getting a hat-trick. I’m hungry for goals.”

Hungry for goals, a Scottish international and already with first-team experience? This seems like a no-brainer if Celtic can get it done.

That’s a very big “if”, however.