The Daniel Cummings Celtic problem according to former Hoops striker

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Daniel Cummings might not get much of a chance to shine in Celtic’s first-team.

The youngster has been lashing in the goals for the B team and has done well in the Lowland League as well as in the UEFA Youth League with strong performances.

Those have put him in the shop window with clubs abroad and in the Premier League seriously keen on the 18-year-old.

West Ham wanted Cummings on a pre-contract before the Hammers would eventually have a bid rejected on deadline day to take him south this month.

Portsmouth also had tried to sign Cummings and that came even before he sprung from the bench for a shock debut in the Champions League against Aston Villa.

Celtic have a ‘problem’ with Daniel Cummings

Manager Brendan Rodgers spoke about the player in the aftermath of that game and called for patience with young players often influenced by outside interference.

But now it looks more likely that a deal with West Ham is ready to be inked and Andy Walker reckons there has been one key problem that has prevented Cummings from staying in Glasgow.

There has been no sight of the striker this season, or last, other than the cameo at Villa Park.

For Walker that is a clear indication that he won’t be given a crack with Rodgers‘ first-team.

And for that reason it makes sense for the kid to chase other options – including in the top flight of English football.

Andy Walker says Cummings is entitled to leave Celtic

“He’s the one I thought would have got some game time,” Walker said on Go Radio when discussing Cummings.

“He’s scoring goals regularly in the UEFA Youth League. Unbelievably he came on to make an appearance against Aston Villa out of nowhere.

“Celtic have had games at Parkhead this season when they are 5-0 up at half-time but we haven’t seen any young players coming on.

“So again, if he is someone who doesn’t think he is going to get an opportunity then why not go somewhere else and see if you can make the grade. No one has seen him, that is the problem.

“Unless you are watching the Youth League then no one has seen him play.”