Jamie McGrath addresses future after once being touted for Celtic by his own manager

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Jamie McGrath, the Ireland international touted to Celtic by his own boss at St Mirren, has a contract in Paisley until next summer.

And the 5-cap 25-year-old is considering his options, although he’s happy at the Buddies for the time being.

McGrath was tipped as a Celtic star of the future by Jim Goodwin. Just this summer, when St Mirren seemed resigned to losing the playmaker, ex-Bhoys player Goodwin compared him favourably to the likes of Ryan Christie and and David Turnbull.

That was after a successful season for the number 10. From midfield, McGrath scored a whopping 17 goals [Transfermarkt], while setting up 6 more.

He was also pivotal in a huge result for St Mirren, when they beat Rangers in the League Cup [Not the Old Firm].

Obviously, that’s going to attract interest. Speaking to the Irish Post, McGrath sounded happy to continue with Goodwin, but suggests he has options to consider before long [Irish Post]:

“I’m happy where I am. I have a year left on my contract and it’s not up until next summer so we’ll see what happens.

“I love it at St Mirren, they’re a great bunch and the gaffer is great. I can’t speak highly enough of it.”

Celtic really ought to consider Ireland international Jamie McGrath

If McGrath’s rapid ascent into Ireland’s international ranks proves anything, it’s that things can change quickly.

From St Mirren’s perspective, it’s surely great to see one of their players starring at such a high level. The difficult part for them, though, is that he has an expiring deal in Paisley, and his manager’s already tipped him for bigger things.

Is one of those bigger things a move to Celtic? Having lost Ryan Christie, the Bhoys are short of first-team number 10 options. It’s only really Tom Rogic and David Turnbull that the Bhoys have, and both have been used deeper in a midfield that hasn’t really worked.

Capable of playing on either wing, a la Christie, McGrath could end up being a shrewd purchase. Celtic don’t tend to buy from within Scotland much these days, which makes sense given more recent history. Youssuf Mulumbu, Scott Bain, Jack Hendry or Scott Allan weren’t exactly successful signings.

McGrath would probably need assurances of game time, and that’s probably the sticking point in any potential move. But his numbers are impressive, he’s an international player, and he has a manager who wants to see him play at Celtic level.

Keep an eye on this one.

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