Celtic transfer target 'shows class' over weekend; Hammond has scouted, club expecting bid

By John McGinley

December 28, 2020

Celtic transfer target Thomas Robert scored directly from a corner kick at the weekend as he continues to impress for Airdrie United.

Robert, son of former French international Laurent, has been a standout in Scottish League One this season.

He made a surprising transfer from Montpellier during the summer transfer window and has helped Airdrie into third place.

They are in striking distance for automatic promotion and at least look good for a playoff spot.

The Daily Record reports that Celtic scout Tosh McKinlay and Head of Football Operations Nick Hammond have recently watched the winger.

His manager, Ian Murray, is now expecting bids for the attacker shortly.

He told the paper: “He showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed.

“Were they impressed enough to make a bid, I’m not sure, but I think there are a couple who are not too far away from that.”

Robert has now scored four goals and assisted twice since October. One of his efforts came against top-flight opposition Livingston in the Betfred Cup.

He might not quite be operating at the standard to come directly into the Celtic first-team right now.

Celtic transfer target Thomas Robert scores vs Livingston / (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)

However, he is only 20 years old and has the room to improve further.

Already settling well in Scotland, it could be a relatively risk-free, budget move that serves Celtic well in the long run.

Given the Bhoys have now scouted him multiple times, there’s clearly interest.

In other news, Marian Shved has scored his first goal in 17 months out on loan from Celtic.