Charlie Mulgrew has revealed he still cannot understand why Celtic chose not to move for Lawrence Shankland last summer, insisting the striker would currently be their leading option in attack…
Shankland was available on a free transfer
Shankland was available on a free transfer after running down his contract, but with no suitable offers arriving, he opted to remain at Hearts.
Since then, the Scotland international has enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring 17 goals in all competitions and playing a key role in the Jambos’ push towards the top of the Premiership and a potential title triumph.
Mulgrew believed at the time his former club should have acted, and his stance has not changed given Shankland’s continued form.
‘Footballers will tell you the truth’
Speaking on his regular slot on Go Radio, Mulgrew said: “I don’t know why Celtic never had a nibble.
“It’s unbelievable because whoever’s making decisions just needs to phone up a couple of ex-teammates – I don’t know why this doesn’t happen more often – and just say, ‘Right, tell me about him.’ And you’ll get the truth.
“Footballers will tell you the truth, players who have played with them will tell you. Do enough calls to know that you’ve got a good feel for the player.
“And then you’ve got him on a free on half the wages some of your players are probably getting. And even if you say ‘Right, we’ll start him off on the bench and bring him on and see what he does.
‘He would be Celtic’s best striker right now’
“I’m not saying it because of what Shankland’s done this season. I remember saying Celtic should take him and put him on the bench and have him come on the last 20 minutes when games are tight, and he would be Celtic’s best striker right now, you can guarantee that.
“I don’t know why they didn’t, football snobbery maybe? Right under your nose sometimes, you think it’s too easy so you just go look elsewhere.”
Celtic actually scouted Shankland ahead of his move to Aberdeen all those years ago with the club scout revealing to us that he was even then regarded as the best finisher in Scottish football. It’s actually remarkable that he hasn’t played for Celtic or a Rangers in his career.
