Opinion: Celtic must offload struggling midfield duo in January and sign Everton fringe man

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has a number of attacking midfielders in his squad who are not up to the necessary standard and he should have a January clear-out, replacing them with Everton youngster Kieran Dowell.

What’s the situation?

Jonny Hayes and Lewis Morgan are among those who could be considered surplus to requirements by Rodgers in January, and the Northern Irishman may need an injection of quality in the winter transfer window if his side are to retain their domestic treble for the third season running.

The Bhoys currently trail Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and Dowell could be the perfect mid-season loan signing to push the Parkhead side on.

The 21-year-old has started just two games for the Everton first team so far this season, both of which were in the League Cup against Rotherham and Southampton, but with the Toffees knocked out in a penalty shootout against their fellow Premier League side it looks as though the midfielder will have to return to the U23 side or head out on loan.

Hit the ground running

Dowell spent last season on loan in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and quickly set about becoming a regular fixture in the first team, scoring 10 goals in the first half of the season. Unfortunately for him, when Aitor Karanka was brought in as manager he lost his place in the side.

The Everton youngster, who joined the club’s academy at age seven, did manage 38 Championship appearances for Forest though so he has enough senior experience to hit the ground running at Celtic, despite having played just five times for the Merseyside club.

The 5ft 9in attacking midfielder has also represented England at all youth levels since U16’s and is now a member of Aidy Boothroyd’s England U21 squad, having also won the 2017 U20 World Cup with the Young Lions.

There is sure to be strong interest in Dowell in January, so Rodgers should move quickly to replace his floundering attacking midfielders with the Everton youngster.

So, Celtic fans, would you like to see Rodgers pursue a loan move for Dowell in January or would the reshuffle be pointless? Have your say by voting in the poll below.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2JqCJUp