Barry Bannan has already explained to Celtic why Pierce Charles would be the perfect long-term signing for the Bhoys.
Celtic are set to battle it out with Rangers for Charles’ signature when he departs Sheffield Wednesday this summer following relegation to League One.
Bannan, a boyhood Hoops fan, played with the Northern Ireland international at Hillsborough and his glowing endorsement is enough of a reason for Celtic to be considering the goalkeeper.
Does the 20-year-old goalkeeper sound exciting to you?
Barry Bannan hailed ‘unbelievable’ Pierce Charles
As his captain in the early stages of his career, Bannan has seen Charles grow from a young prodigy into one of the best young talents in English football.
The 20-year-old has always been destined for big things, and in 2024, Bannan picked out his ability with the ball at his feet as his biggest strength.
“He’s an unbelievable goalkeeper,” he said. “I think the game nowadays is demanding that goalkeepers aren’t just about making saves and coming and taking crosses.
“In the modern day game, everybody wants to build up from the back and the goalkeeper’s a big, important part of that.
“We’re lucky that we’ve got a young goalkeeper coming through here who’s unbelievable with the ball at his feet.
“He’s really, really young and still learning. But I do sometimes admire some of his passes, especially in training.”
Bannan added: “He’s got the world at his feet. It’s just about him keep working hard and progressing, and I’m sure he’ll have a bright future.”
Pierce Charles suits Celtic’s style of play
The Hoops enjoy having the majority of the ball during games and largely start the build-up of possession from the goalkeeper.
Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo are both good enough with their feet, but it isn’t their main strength.
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Charles, however, thrives on this and the 20-year-old is also a capable shot-stopper.
Given Wednesday’s well-documented financial issues, Celtic could be able to land themselves a top goalkeeper for a minimal fee.
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