It’s time for Celtic to get to work and conclude the final few months of the campaign after the completion of the January transfer window.
In regards to incoming, there wasn’t much action from Celtic, with Jota returning to his old stomping ground and Jeffrey Schlupp arriving on transfer deadline day.
It’s not what the doctor ordered because many feel Celtic’s squad is weaker post-January, especially with some big games coming up.
The main event is Celtic’s two-legged showdown with Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with a place in the last-16 awaiting the winners and a possible clash against Real Madrid or Manchester City.
In that sense, Brendan Rodgers requires a squad as strong as possible, but that won’t be the case.
But John Hartson has seen the positive side to Schlupp’s arrival and what the loaned-out Crystal Palace star will bring to the table.
John Hartson approves Celtic signing Jeffrey Schlupp
Celtic are short at left-back after Alex Valle’s loan spell was cut short – you wonder now why that was allowed – and Kieran Tierney won’t join up until the summer.
As Hartson touched upon, Schlupp can play on that side and how he has played over 300 Premier League matches for a reason, as he told Go Radio.
The former striker approved the signing and he thinks it’s a ‘good loan deal’ from Celtic’s perspective.
“A good player, lots of experience, he has played over 300 games in the Premier League,” said Hartson.
“If you have played that many games, then you have something about you. Leicester and Crystal Palace. Plays generally down that left-hand side.
“With only one left-back at the club, in terms of Taylor, with Tierney coming in the summer, which is great. Brendan has got cover on that side. He can play in midfield and he can play further up the pitch. I feel that’s a good loan deal. Jeffrey Schlupp, a strong and powerful player.”
Hartson’s January transfer ‘surprise’ at Celtic
The main talking point after Celtic’s winter transfer window concluded was the fact that Kyogo Furuhashi wasn’t replaced.
Hartson admitted that ‘surprised’ him because, at the very least, he expected someone to come in for the short term.
But now all eyes will be on Adam Idah and Hartson is liking what he is seeing from the Republic of Ireland international, especially after his brace at Villa Park.
“The one I was surprised about is that we didn’t quite get a striker in,” admitted Hartson. “Even if it was on loan.
“For me, Idah has done very well. If Idah stays fit, then I have no doubt that he will score a lot of goals between now and the end of the season. I think the team will carve out plenty of chances for him. I like him. I think he has got better in the last three or four games. Getting himself in amongst the goals.
“Supporters always want to get more. I am sure Brendan Rodgers wants to get more. I am no doubt that they were looking, but with Celtic you need to get the right type. They won’t just buy players for the sake of bringing more numbers in. That’s the only real position (that’s lacking) because I think they are well covered everywhere else.”
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