Reported Celtic goalkeeping target Joe Bursik scores penalty in cup win

By Hamish Carton

January 8, 2020

Reported Celtic goalkeeping target Joe Bursik had a night to remember as he led his loan side Accrington Stanley into the last eight of the EFL Trophy with a remarkable contribution.

The Stoke City keeper, who is said to be a target for Hoops boss Neil Lennon, helped Stanley to beat Fleetwood Town 5-3 on penalty kicks last night – and even netted one of the goals himself. (Stoke Sentinel)

19-year-old Bursik notched his penalty in the cup win in what was his seventh successive start for the Lancashire based outfit.

(Photo by Stephen White – CameraSport via Getty Images)

We told you last month, how Football Insider said we had our eye on Bursik who is out of contract with Stoke this summer. It was said that we were “very keen” to get a deal done for the England youth international before the Potters could sort out one of their own.

Bursik has since become a regular for his loan side and his midweek exploits will only have strengthened his suitability of a move north of the border.

(Photo by Paul Ursachi/MB Media/Getty Images)

Bursik looks like an upgrade on other youth Celtic keepers

The goalkeeping situation at Celtic Park may seem pretty stable at present, but it could look very different in six months time. Fraser Forster’s future is very uncertain, there’s no other way to put it. Craig Gordon is almost certain to be away by the start of next season, leaving just Scott Bain as a viable first-choice.

Of course, there are hopes that we’ll be able to sign Forster permanently. But the ball isn’t entirely in our court with that one and his recent displays are likely to have attracted interest from elsewhere.

Big things are hoped for Conor Hazard but the Northern Ireland youth international is yet to spend time on loan at a top-flight side. He still has a way to go and can’t be considered ready even to fill the bench at present.

(Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

That’s what makes a potential move for Bursik pretty appealing. On the face of it, the teenager looks like an upgrade on Hazard and fellow youngster Ross Doohan, on loan at Ayr United. We’ve had great success poaching young talent from down south already this season so another similar move would be welcomed by most.

If he happens to be a solid penalty taker then that’s a welcome bonus.