Mclean To Paradise

A lot was said in Pedro’s reign about players he brought in who were not quintessential blue noses who would bleed for the strip, as we approach another derby many of us would like to see a rhebel added to our own team, none would be better than James McClean.

His West Bromwich Albion team look certain to go down this year and with 18 months on his contract, he would be a prime summer target.

West Brom have an option of another year but it would be unlikely to enforce terms on him should they fall out of the Premiership, entering the last year of his current contract, WBA would not want to lose him for nothing.

McClean would need to take a pay cut to force a move to Celtic, but his career would flourish at Paradise.

European football, 4 derbies vs the Shame (minimum) and the opportunity to work with fellow Ulsterman Brendan Rodgers should be enough of a carrot to lure him to Celtic Park, especially when the Championship is the other option.

Think of it, if we were going to Ibrox with McClean in the team we would have a certified Skelper in our ranks as desperate as Broony to inflict misery on them as much as win the match.

He wouldn’t need to wear a Poppy either, the vitriol that he is subjected to on a regular basis wouldn’t end however, Neil Lennon who is also from the North of Ireland will attest to that.

Meanwhile, we are listening to the deluded and the press talk up the Newco’s chances as Celtic quietly go about our business.

For all the partisan guff we are subjected to, the betting markets are strangely oblivious to the new dawn, with Celtic starting as favourites to defeat The Rangers across all sites.

If the bookies are right Celtic will restore their 9 point lead with a game in hand and place one hand on the trophy.

Murty has a good record against Celtic, save Clint Hill’s waist high tackles from behind, but should he earn his 3rd draw vs the Champions it will not be enough for the Peepul.

They are running out of games and need to win both remaining derbies in the League and hope Celtic drop another game whilst winning all the rest of theirs.

Regardless, many Celtic fans are on edge, hoping our injury ravished squad will get through this crucial tie and screaming for quality reinforcements to come in this summer.

James McClean would be the perfect addition to Celtic this summer, the Derry man loves the team, is strong on the ball and with Rogic wanting away would be a ready-made replacement in midfield.

He won’t cost a fortune but would be worth his weight in gold in matches like the one we face now, let’s hope he issues a come get me like Griffiths did when he was at Wolves.

It would be hard to think such a plea would fall on deaf ears.