Sections of the Celtic support don’t appear keen on Kilmarnock’s Stephen O’Donnell.
Late last month, the Scottish Sun reported that Celtic could be interested in him if Neil Lennon was appointed boss. Lenny would then win the treble treble with a Scottish Cup final success against Hearts, and therefore earned the gig permanently.
Despite that, there haven’t been any further developments reported on it since. O’Donnell remains a Kilmarnock player, but his contract only has one more year left to run.
Given Celtic’s current right-back situation, you can see why two and two could be added together. But fans watching O’Donnell last night certainly didn’t come across as too impressed. Here’s a look at some of the reaction from social media to his display.
https://twitter.com/mcginleybhoy/status/1137451483644010496
https://twitter.com/_The_Ridler_/status/1137456760585895943
https://twitter.com/RichardMurphy80/status/1137654387692777472
https://twitter.com/Ryanmc67_/status/1137456508894089216
A positive year for O’Donnell, but we need better
Some will feel O’Donnell played fine last night, and others will feel he didn’t do enough. He was decent enough, but there was hardly anything to get excited about either.
O’Donnell has had a real positive year with Kilmarnock too in fairness to him. He played in 37 of Killie’s 38 Premiership matches, as well as an additional six in the cup competitions too. But he also only managed just four assists all season from the right too.
He also looked a tad ropey under pressure last night too. When forced to turn back, he didn’t look comfortable playing pass backs under the Cypriot pressure. Good ball-control and composure on it is essential for any Celtic defender.
As well as that, Celtic could do with some higher-quality recruits this summer too. Mikael Lustig is reportedly set to make his decision on his future this week (Scottish Sun), and if he turns away from Parkhead then we’ll only have Anthony Ralston signed up at right-back for next season.
O’Donnell, you wouldn’t imagine, would fancy coming to Parkhead just so sit on the bench as cover. Especially not with how highly-regarded he is at Kilmarnock. If he moves, he should want to go somewhere he’ll play every week.
Celtic can’t offer him that, and need higher-quality alternatives. No names appear imminent as of yet, but hopefully all will become clearer when the transfer window opens on Tuesday. But based on last night, those plans shouldn’t involve Killie’s O’Donnell.
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