Who was Tosh McKinlay scouting for Celtic?

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Celtic scout Tosh McKinlay was spotted at Tannadice in yesterday’s Scottish Cup match.

BBC TV cameras zoomed in on the former Hoops player after the 19th minute with the commentators suggesting he was on a scouting mission.

Neil Lennon’s men are in the market for several players who could have been on the pitch. But, just who was McKinlay casting his eye over for the Irishman?

Lawrence Shankland interesting Tosh McKinlay and Celtic?

Predictably, all thoughts go towards Dundee United’s talisman striker Lawrence Shankland.

Shankland is constantly linked with the Hoops as he continues to impress in the Scottish Championship.

The Scottish Sun believe Shankland was the man McKinlay was there to watch yesterday afternoon. The Scotland international got on the scoresheet with an ice cold finish before half time.

However, since the Hoops acquisition of Patryk Klimala, will Celtic need another striker?

Martin Boyle back with his old boss at the Hoops?

In a similar vein, it could be Martin Boyle that McKinlay was ruling the roost over.

The Australian international also scored at Tannadice in the tight crunch cup tie.

The 26-year-old would perhaps demand less of a fee than his Scottish counterpart, Shankland.

Boyle has a somewhat impressive league record this season too, scoring five and assisting two in 11 appearances.

Lennon may see Boyle as an ideal competitor to James Forrest which makes a transfer more sensible than if he was signed as a striker.

Ryan Porteous the dark horse for Lennon’s team?

Hibs defender Ryan Porteous might be the answer to the Irishman’s injury issues at the back.

Kristoffer Ajer and makeshift stopper Nir Bitton are on the crocks list. Jozo Simunovic’s own return from injury against Partick Thistle was less than impressive either.

Jack Hendry is also on the way out to Australia with Melbourne City, so the numbers are dwindling. [Daily Mail]

Perhaps the 20-year-old Scotland call-up will become a shock signing from nowhere. Lennon will know Porteous’ qualities and his age means there is plenty of room to grow.

He won’t be the most expensive buy ever, but perhaps Lennon believes he can do a job.