Kevin Muscat had quite the career.
Such was his (well-established) reputation, the Australian defender was left out by Alex McLeish for vital derbies in his short stint across the Clyde [Sun]. Now, as unlikely as it seems, he’s being touted for a role at Celtic [Scotsman].
Described by Neil Warnock as the “nastiest player I’ve ever come across” in a BBC Sportsound Podcast from 2020, Muscat’s playing career is well-known. More famous for courting controversy [BBC] than his defensive abilities, spells at Crystal Palace, Wolves and Millwall as well as Rangers saw the Australian international earn plenty of cards. And, again, his reputation was so well-established that he was deemed too hot-headed to handle the Glasgow Derby. By his own manager.
So what makes people think this is the guy that will join Celtic? The former Rangers defender was named as Football’s Dirtiest Ever Player by El Gol Digital [via Sydney Morning Herald]. Traditionally, Celtic don’t bring recognised villains on board. Least of all ones who have a lengthy ‘Reputation’ section on their Wikipedia page.
The Celtic board have made plenty of unpopular decisions. And, with the disappointment of Eddie Howe still raw, denying Postecoglou his desired backroom team might be another deal-breaker. The Bhoys’ hierarchy can’t deal out another disappointment. But… Kevin Muscat?
It seems beyond unlikely that Celtic would indulge Kevin Muscat, nor would he want to join
Muscat said himself that he was made aware of the intensity of the rivalry early on. In an interview with the Sun, the former Rangers man said:
“I got to know a lot about Rangers through fellow Aussie Craig Moore and I also spoke to Barry Ferguson and Bob Malcolm.
“So I felt prepared when I officially joined that summer. I knew the pressure was on with Celtic winning the two previous titles, but we had a good squad.
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“The one thing I really remember is the team spirit in that group with guys like Barry, Craig, Arthur Numan, Shota Arveladze, Mikey Mols and Ronald de Boer.”
Now, do those words strike you as those of someone who’d want to join Celtic? As much as the board would surely upset a fair few supporters by hiring him, it seems unfeasible that someone so ingrained in a successful season for Rangers would even consider a move from Celtic.
Look, if we’re wrong, we’re wrong. But it seems unthinkable.