Exciting talent, potential Moi replacement; 3 players who could become Celtic regulars next season

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Undoubtedly, come the start of 2021/22 the Celtic squad may carry a vastly different complexion to the current one.

Multiple senior playing figures are set to head for the Parkhead exit, presenting opportunities for those who remain to establish themselves as first team regulars.

Here are three squad members who could utilise these openings to their advantage and become mainstays within the Celtic side.

1. Ewan Henderson

Ewan Henderson can count himself severely unlucky not to have made a concerted senior breakthrough. Brought into the fold under Brendan Rodgers, he impressed the Irishman before seeing first-team openings dry up under Neil Lennon [The Herald].

Cast into the wilderness this season, the 21-year-old made an impact as a substitute in the 3-2 triumph against Lille in the Europa League [BBC]. Playing out of position on the right-wing, the Edinburgh-born man excelled against the French table toppers. Proving the go-between from the midfield to the striker.

Currently on-loan at Dunfermline [Transfermarkt], he will be hoping to leave his mark in Fife before returning for the close season.

Nurtured correctly under a new manager, Henderson could bring fresh ideas and technical ability to a new-look side. In need of new direction, developing younger players may be the most optimal mode of functionality for Celtic.

With only 3 appearances for the Hoops this season [Transfermarkt], he deserves a proper chance to demonstrate his capabilities in 2021/22

2. Jack Hendry

Jack Hendry may be the most intriguing player on this list.

Previously questioned for his mentality, the 25-year-old has gone some way to answering these critics in Belgium this campaign. Virtually ever-present for KV Oostende, the Scot has made 25 appearances for his loan club scoring twice [Transfermarkt].

Illustrating the defensive dominance he has been able to exert in the Jupiler Pro League, he has averaged no fewer than 4.4 clearances per game in 2020/21 [WhoScored]. This is a really impressive statistic, showing his ability to read the game effectively.

His ball-playing attributes could help to compensate for the expected departure of Kristoffer Ajer, as he has also recorded an 85.7% pass success rate in Belgium [WhoScored]. Hendry’s exploits have led to a deserved Scotland recall and many plaudits from fans and pundits [Glasgow Times].

Stephen Welsh and Nir Bitton, could be the Hoops only senior central defenders come the Champions League qualifiers in July. Keeping hold of Hendry could be like a new signing moving towards next campaign, whilst most importantly may be necessary.                                                       

3. Mikey Johnston

Due to the uncertain nature of Mohamed Elyounoussi’s future [Daily Record], Mikey Johnston may be the Hoops only natural left-winger come the summer. Suffering a stop-start 2020/21, the 21-year-old faces a crucial campaign in relation to his Celtic career.

Mercurially talented, Johnston is a winger who can trouble opposition backlines with his pace and trickery. Frustratingly, the youngster has not been given the best chance to succeed at Parkhead.

He has made 57 appearances for Celtic accumulating 11 goals and eight assists [Transfermarkt]. Ravaged by injuries and inconsistent playing time, the Glaswegian needs to be given regular games next season to prove his worth.

Apart from James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard, Johnston is one of the few players who can regularly dribble by opponents. The Hoops have lacked a penetrative edge in offensive situations this campaign which he obtains. With Moi Elyounoussi scheduled to go back to parent club Southampton this summer, chances could open up again.

If Celtic can guide his attacking intuition, his numbers could increase significantly in 2021/22 and he could finally fulfil his potential.

In other news, David James has told how he was “politely” sacked by Eddie Howe.