Peter Grant has reacted to the news reports that Celtic are about to open talks with Liel Abada and Reo Hatate in a bid to extend both players’ contracts.
Grant was asked how important it is to open contract talks with the duo as the former Celtic hero pinpointed Abada as one that the club must do what it can to hold onto. Grant also praised the young winger for his contribution to the team over the last two seasons.
Grant said [The Go Radio Football Show], “I think it’s so important because you want your best players to extend.
“Celtic have done that exceptionally well. We’ll find out if the boys want to stay here and if they are, they’ll get that extension.
“If they don’t want to be here right okay, we’ll move you on quickly because they won’t go into the last year of that contract and Celtic will move them on.
“I’m hoping both stay for sure. I’m a real fan of Abada, I must admit. I like Hatate, of course, but I’m a real fan of Abada.
“As a young man, he plays that position really well. And for a wide player to get in that position in the box to score goals, his work ethic to get that back post and he’s a very good finisher for a young man.
“And I think he would only get better because Brendan loves his wingers and he likes to play that way. It’s so important in modern-day game, having that balance and I’ve been really impressed with him. And he missed a lot last season but his numbers are still very good.”
Liel Abada’s numbers mean Celtic must deal him in
The young Israeli winger has been a star for Celtic over the last two seasons and his numbers show just how important he is to the club.
In his first year at the club, Abada made 54 appearances for Celtic scoring 15 goals and creating 11 assists. It cannot be forgotten that there were two fixtures in that season that his goals made a huge contribution to the club winning the title.
His last-minute goal in the 1-0 win over Dundee United in February prior to the Glasgow Derby meant that if Celtic won that match, they would take over at the top of the league.
Of course, Celtic were 3-0 victors with Abada terrorising the Rangers defence as he scored one and created one that night.
The following season was a mixed bag for Abada. Unusually, he found himself making more appearances from the bench than normal but still managed to bag 13 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances.
Those goals included a hattrick against Dundee United and two goals against Rangers in the 4-0 rout in September last year. And let’s not forget his Scottish Cup Final goal and assist that helped seal the Treble. He also made his landmark 100th appearance for Celtic on Trophy Day.
And this season, Abada is already off the mark after an assist against Ross County and a goal up at Pittodrie in the first two fixtures of the new season.
Of course Celtic must tie down both players but it is undeniable how important Abada is to the attacking threat of Celtic and, hopefully, the club can get this deal done ASAP.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers backroom reshuffle ongoing at Celtic (67hailhail.com)
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