Grant Holt admits he could have joined Celtic

By John Reid

May 4, 2019

Former Norwich and Hibernian striker Grant Holt has admitted that he could have joined Celtic.

Holt disclosed that Norwich wanted to do a deal which involved former Hoops attacker Gary Hooper.

Indeed, Neil Lennon was such a huge fan of the forward that he tried to sign the player twice.

“Tried to get me twice”

(Photo by Paul Thomas/Getty Images)

“When I was at Norwich Lenny tried to get me twice when he was Celtic manager, though the truth was that Norwich wanted Gary Hooper, and I was mentioned as going the other way as part of the deal” he told the Scottish Sun.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Lennon’s admiration for Holt is certainly worth thinking about. Lennon signed the player when at Hibs, so he obviously admired his qualities. He is the type of player that Celtic currently lack in the squad.

Would thrive on crosses

He is the sort of player who would thrive on crosses into the box. Getting the ball in the box seems to be a big part of Lennon’s game plan.

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Should Lennon get the Celtic job on a permanent basis, a player in Holt’s image would be a good bet to come in to the club.

It would give the Hoops a new, more direct option. That option would have been useful to have in some of the goalless draws that Lennon has been in charge of.

The Hoops haven’t had a strong, aggressive striker in the Chris Sutton mould for a while. This could change if Lennon gets the permanent manager’s job.