Celtic could be poised to make a move for two Hibernian stars, as their manager has admitted a player exodus is “outwith my control”.
The Bhoys have been heavily linked to Josh Doig [Sky Sports] and Kevin Nisbet [Sun], with major reinforcements needed this season.
Following Hibs’ disappointing Scottish Cup defeat to St Johnstone, Jack Ross has admitted it may be hard to hold on to some of his key men. The Hibees managed a third-place finish in the Premiership this season [BBC]. They’ll be in European qualifiers this summer, but the lure of bigger names, even within Scotland, may tempt the likes of Doig and Nisbet away.
Certainly, that’s what many Celtic fans will be hoping.
Speaking to Premier Sports, Ross said:
“I think what the players have achieved today has been outstanding. I don’t think that can be taken away by what has happened today. Once that soreness subsides they will reflect on an outstanding season.
“I want them to keep coming back here as Hibs players, and if their individual pathway takes them elsewhere I want them to come back here individually and win it. That will come for them, they are a good group.”
“Outwith my control”; are Celtic poised to make a move?
Ross continued:
“There is an element of that comes outwith my direct control. Naturally as a manager I would say keep them all because of what they’ve given me, but there may be factors outwith my control in that respect. If it’s the case I need to build it again then that’s what I’ll do. That’s my job.
“We have a group that could deliver consistent success for us but we will deal with that puzzle when we come to it.”
There’s supposedly major competition for both Doig and Nisbet. Left-back Doig, who’s had a breakout season, has been linked with Arsenal and Watford [Evening Standard]. England may also call for Nisbet, who was subject of a bid from Birmingham City in January [Birmingham Live].
With Celtic in serious need of a new left-back and striker, though, it’s possible that the Bhoys are already doing the work to snatch both players from Edinburgh. As a statement of intent, it’d send quite a message around the league.
READ MORE: A strange, sad exit
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