Celtic will be on a striker hunt this summer.
The recent transfer windows have produced negative outcomes when trying to find that much-needed goalscorer, so don’t be surprised if a few players are brought in.
Understandably, lots of names are going to be linked to the Celtic striker role, including Falkirk’s rising star, Barney Stewart.
When Paul Cooney shared on Go Radio that Celtic are ‘watching’ Stewart, Kevin Kyle quickly dismissed the thought of the 22-year-old being ready for the champions of Scotland.
Cooney: “The word is that Celtic are watching Barney Stewart, and others as well.”
Kyle: “He’s young and learning. He has so much potential moving forward. Do I think he is ready for a club like Celtic? No, absolutely not.”
What should Shaun Maloney’s role be at Celtic next season?
Barney Stewart hailed for his rise amid Celtic links
Scotland will be going to this summer’s World Cup, and there is a chance that Stewart gets that much-wanted golden ticket from Steve Clarke.
That’s because Stewart’s name has been ringing around, as Clarke looks for some much-needed goals heading into world football’s biggest tournament.
Either way, Barney’s journey to turning professional at 20 was discussed by the Go Radio panel, as Kyle suggested an alternative route for the English-born player than heading to Celtic Park this summer.
Cooney: “The word is that Celtic are watching him, and others as well.”
Kyle: “He’s young and learning. He has so much potential moving forward. Do I think he is ready for a club like Celtic? No, absolutely not.
“Do I think he can slot in somewhere like an Aberdeen? 100%. The way Stephen Robinson plays. The thing I like with Barney Stewart is, there will be games where he probably doesn’t touch the ball a lot, because of the way Falkirk play.
“But he is that focal point, who can hold it up, lay it off, he gets in the box, causes problems, drags players out of position, and allows the other players to get involved.
“So, for me, from where he has come from, I think it’s non-league to uni or whatever. What a story. That just shows you, you should never give up on your dream, because he certainly hasn’t. He has been a massive part of what Falkirk have done.
“There is talk whether he can break into the Scotland team for the World Cup, that’s a big ambition. It’s difficult. But it’s nice to have his name in that conversation, because he is one of very few Scotland players who are actually scoring goals.”
Stewart’s numbers this season
It needs to be noted that Falkirk are a newly-promoted side, yet they have managed to secure a top-six finish, which Stewart has played a key part in.
One thing is for sure: the young striker is showing a lot of promise, but that doesn’t mean Celtic should sign him, because more proven players are required.
Either way, these are Stewart’s numbers for this current campaign:
- Premiership games: 14
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 2
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
