Martin O’Neill has given supporters an insight into what they can expect from imminent new signing Camilo Duran, as well as how he sees the player fitting into his system and team more generally for the forthcoming season…
The gaffer was quizzed on the Colombian forward’s talents after the 1-1 draw with Shelbourne over in Dublin this Tuesday evening, where a whole raft of first team players and younger guys got a run out against the Irish side, ahead of latest Scottish Premiership campaign kicking-off on the first weekend in August, even though O’Neill’s men bizarrely don’t play to the Monday night – make of that what you will.
Supporters are now rightfully excited about the impending transfer of Qarabag attacker Duran, with the forward line in desperate need of refreshment, with only Callum Osmand and Johnny Kenny our recognised centre-forwards, if as expected, Daizen Maeda departs Paradise this summer window with our best wishes and a small-fortune banked by the club.
Speaking about that current situation and what the fans can expect from the man who bagged five goals in ten games last year in the UEFA Champions League against some top company, O’Neill said: “What can he bring as a player? Obviously he’s still very young. I think that what he can do is that I think he can hold up play.”
In an update that will surely delight supporters about our prospective new striker, the Kilrea-born Celtic boss added: “I think he’s strong in that there, in that department. We need a few players. It’s as simple as that. But I do think that he will be a good addition. Famous last word,” the Irishman joked, as reported by Daily Record.
With Duran able to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into play, the supporters will be getting something that has been lacking up front for the club for sometime now.
It will be a throwback to Martin O’Neill’s first tenure as permanent Celtic manager, when he had the likes of Chris Sutton and John Hartson at his disposal, whilst Henrik Larsson, for his small stature, excelled at this part of the game too.
Hopefully Duran is cut from the same cloth, when it comes to playing with his back to goal for the Hoops this season…
Paul Gillespie
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1 Comment
Also his versatility as an attacking option, should hopefully be a great boost for ourselves also imo?
With Kenny missing last night, it’s still unclear about what his injury status is at present, which ended his Bolton promotion push at the end of last season?
Even so, MoN has options and decisions to make for our striker roles, especially as kelchi might not be totally out of MoN plans just yet either?
So a problem position for ourselves, is hopefully not looking to bad at present, with the arrival of Duran, especially as I believe Osmand has great potential also imo?
Still think our wider areas need a boost also, with options hopefully?
Might have to involve a potential loan signing, while we still awaiting the return of jota at some point?
Hopefully we get the return of the jota, we once knew, but doubtful he will be to much in the plans of MoN in the first half of this coming season either imo?
So, even though we only really finished last season, with 5 attacking options, within our 20man SPFL match day squad?
Don’t look like that will be the case for the start of this coming season, especially if we can get serious competition in place for those starting positions, along with decent options available from the bench also?
Been way to dependant upon Maeda these past 2 seasons in our attacking areas?
And without that prospect available next season, others will have to contribute moreso, to cover his loss?
Hopefully both Duran and Osmand can go someway to replacing the Maeda loss imo? Even if the potential other striker isn’t totally clear upon who could potentially fill that role, just yet imo?