18 goals, aged 21: Celtic should be taking a close look at Luke Jephcott

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic face the prospect of multiple senior exits from the club as they look to rebuild for next campaign.

One area where the Celts could lose more personnel than most is the forward line. Odsonne Edouard is anticipated to leave the club due to interest from Leicester City and Arsenal [Telegraph]. Moreover, Leigh Griffiths may be set to depart amid links to Aberdeen and Hibernian [The Scottish Sun].

Compounded by the news of Patryk Klimala’s imminent departure to New York Red Bulls. There is no doubt that the Hoops will need multiple centre-forwards this summer.

With a void to fill, Celtic could do a lot worse than to monitor the situation of talented striker Luke Jephcott.

Currently on the books of Plymouth Argyle, he has caught the attention of a host of clubs scoring 18 goals from 43 appearances this campaign [Transfermarkt]. Capable of producing a wide array of finishes, he represents the ideal prototype of a young forward who could develop immensely at Celtic.

Jephcott is an instinctive finisher who could thrive in the Scottish Premiership

The Wales Under-21 international always carries a goal threat. Averaging around 1.7 shots per game, he is not shy to shoot from range [WhoScored]. Intriguingly, he is also able to hold up the ball effectively and bring teammates into play. Having a diverse range of attributes, under new management he could put up impressive numbers in the Scottish top-flight.

All in, he has fired 25 goals in 67 games for his current employers [Transfermarkt]. At 21-years-of-age, his goalscoring rate is really promising. In the last few months, he has attracted interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City [Nottinghamshire Live].

As seen previously, English lower league football has a wide scope of affordable young players to pick from. Gary Hooper is a name that comes to mind, though many forget Leigh Griffiths was actually acquired from then League One Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014 [The Scotsman].

Ironically, Jephcott could be a reasonable alternative to Griffiths should the Scot move on to pastures new. Celtic should give some serious consideration towards Jephcott as they look to the future.

Elsewhere on 67 Hail Hail, the Peter Lawwell and Celtic stance on European Super League.