Jeffrey Schlupp has been a breath of fresh air since joining Celtic in January.
The 32-year-old arrived as a much-needed signing because Celtic had cut short Alex Valle’s loan spell and were short in the left-back area.
Despite playing very little for Crystal Palace this season – less than 200 minutes – Schlupp hasn’t looked out of place at Celtic.
From the get-go, he was thrown into the big games, including a two-legged Champions League playoff showdown against Bayern Munich.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were unlucky to get knocked out of Europe, especially after a spirited display in Munich.
But, pretty much straight away, not only is Schlupp performing, but he has also dethroned Greg Taylor from his regular starting spot.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton delivers honest verdict on Jeffrey Schlupp’s start to life as a Celtic player
What Jeffrey Schlupp will be telling the Crystal Palace players about Celtic
As of this moment, Schlupp returns to Palace at the end of the campaign because nothing else has been agreed.
But already, and during these coming months, he is getting a taste of what life in Glasgow is all about, including the upcoming derby.
Andy Walker feels all of this stands in good stead for Celtic because Schlupp will be going back to Palace and telling his teammate that if they get the chance to sign for the Hoops, then ‘I would advise you to take it’, as he told Go Radio.
“Even if it doesn’t work out, what message is Jeffrey Schlupp going back to tell his teammates,” asked Walker. “To tell his international teammates.
“By the way, you want to play in Glasgow and for Celtic. That is magnificent. If you ever get the chance to go there, then I would advise you to take it.”
Schlupp belongs at the Champions League level
It has been well-documented that Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer and he is expected to be the starting left-back next season.
But, with Taylor yet to sign a new contract, and so far, he is heading for the exit door, then another left-back needs to be added, along with Tierney.
If it is to be Schlupp – and the Celtic Park faithful wouldn’t mind it – then Walker thinks that he has already shown that he belongs at the Champions League level.
“He must be thinking, ‘this is fantastic to be playing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League’,” said Walker.
“I know it didn’t go well for Celtic over the two games. But he looked a right good player, as if he could play at that level, then you have the atmosphere that goes along with that.
“Then you have the prospect of being involved in a Championship-winning side. Clinching the title. Can you win the Scottish Cup?
“There is a lot for Schlupp and the rest of the Celtic players to play for.”
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