THE Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan is very much in the know when it comes to Celtic, with the journalist delivering many exclusive stories.
Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring their second goal with Matt O’Riley REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
On a podcast with a fellow journalist, Graham Spiers, he revealed that Abada is almost definitely going to be leaving Celtic this summer, and midfielder Matt O’Riley will be sure to attract some interest.
McGowan also said he thinks a left-back could be on the club’s shortlist, to provide cover to Greg Taylor. [Press Box]
“Greg Taylor has been terrific this season, but could you do with a better option than Alexandro Bernabei? I think they could do with an Alistair Johnston type at left-back.
“They’ll have to replace Liel Abada, who’ll almost certainly go. I can see suitors for Matt O’Riley, with his stats and age.”
Under Ange Postecoglou, the recruitment is ruthless; he’s not afraid to move anyone on. There’s a plan in place for any scenario.
Losing Abada will be a blow; there’s no doubting that, but it’s not unexpected. Losing Matt O’Riley will have a bigger impact on the team, with the player central to most things Celtic do well. He’ll have ambitions of the Premier League, and it’s going to be hard to keep him if one comes knocking
