Andy Walker has tipped Jamie Vardy as a signing who could light up Celtic Park if the club decided to make a move for him. The former Hoops striker says the Leicester City forward still has the quality to make an impact in Scotland and would be a major attraction for the champions.
The 38-year-old forward is nearing the end of his impressive career but is still a proven goal scorer with plenty of Premier League and international experience. Walker believes Vardy could still make a big impact at the top level and feels the draw of Champions League football would be a major factor.
Vardy, who hit his peak under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, has recently been linked with Rangers. But Walker thinks the Northern Irishman’s past working relationship with the striker could give Celtic a chance if they decided to make an approach.
Pointing to past big-name players coming to Scotland late in their careers, Walker mentioned Robbie Keane’s time at Celtic and Jermain Defoe’s successful spell at Rangers as examples of how such moves can still work well.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I also wonder about Jamie Vardy. Obviously Brendan Rodgers knows him well and he’s been linked with Rangers.
“You remember years ago when the likes of Jermain Defoe came up to Rangers and showed what he was all about and still had the quality.
“He’s starting XI ready and has all the experience and I think he still has the fitness.
“Would he fancy a year up here with Champions League football? I wouldn’t rule it out. He would be box office. Great player.
“Robbie Keane had a spell at Celtic as well and scored a few goals.
“I think the attraction of Champions League football and this mystique that they have down south of Celtic and Rangers going head to head.
“I think we are all expecting it to be a bit closer and tighter this year.
“Celtic will still be favourites, I have no doubt about that, but it is a great sell for anyone.”
Vardy’s record speaks for itself, a Premier League winner, FA Cup winner and one of the most consistent strikers in England in recent years.
Soccer Football – Championship – Blackburn Rovers v Leicester City – Ewood Park, Blackburn, Britain – October 1, 2023 Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images/Craig Brough.The link with Brendan Rodgers could be important. The Celtic manager worked with Vardy during Leicester’s most successful spell, and if the striker wanted one last challenge, Glasgow could be a tempting choice.
With the new season expected to be close, Walker feels the pull of Champions League football and the chance to fight for another league title could be enough to tempt a player like Vardy to make the move north.
