Celtic have a storied history woven with the emerald threads of Irish talent.
From one-club man Patrick Bonner’s 600+ appearances to the dazzling wing play of Aiden McGeady, the Irish influence at Parkhead runs deep.
Liam Scales and Mikey Johnston carry the torch in the modern year, but more Irish influence in the squad would not go amiss.
Celtic’s 2023/24 campaign has been topsy-turvy. The return of manager Brendan Rodgers over the summer following his acrimonious exit for Leicester City had fans grumbling.
Rodgers won the domestic treble twice during his first stint but left through the back door in the middle of the campaign for the Premier League.
After he returned to replace the affable Ange Postecoglou, plenty of Celtic fans greeted Rodgers with hostility.
The summer transfer window did not provide the excitement it usually brings as the club sought youngsters to refresh things and forgot the value of experience.
Odin Thiago Holm, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki arrived at the club but have struggled to establish themselves in Scottish football.
The Hoops took control of the Scottish Premiership but made an early exit from the Viaplay Cup. To make matters worse, Rangers lifted the trophy.
The Bhoys also exited the Champions League after a poor campaign that saw them finish last in their group behind Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord.
Celtic have eight-point lead in the league and can still win the Scottish Cup, but they must improve their squad this summer. We look at three Irish internationals who could help their cause.
Sammie Szmodics
Sammie Szmodics has been a shining light for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, topping their scoring charts during a disappointing season for the club.
He recently bagged a hat-trick as Blackburn Rovers beat Cambridge United 5-2 in the third round of the FA Cup to demonstrate his prowess in front of goal.
The 28-year-old is a hard-working player capable of delivering the goals Celtic crave and adding some much-needed creativity in attacking areas.
Betting sites in Ireland would likely have Celtic as strong favourites for the Scottish Premiership and the two domestic cups next season with Szmodics in their ranks.
Szmodics would be a good bet to be top scorer in the Scottish Premiership. He is the favourite to top the charts in the Championship and could replicate that feat in Scotland.
Andrew Moran
Another Blackburn Rovers star Celtic could utilise is youngster Andrew Moran, who has been a creative beacon for the Championship club this term.
The 20-year-old is on loan from renowned talent-spotters Brighton & Hove Albion. Moran is blessed with excellent technique and playmaking ability.
He is not the quickest player, but he blindsides opponents with his acceleration over the first few metres to get into dangerous positions.
His close control allows him to keep the ball within touch up against a barrage of challenges from the opposition, and he could add a spark of creativity to Rodgers’ side.
Moran debuted for the Irish national team in November 2023 and the club should pull out all the stops to lure him to Scotland this summer.
Caoimhin Kelleher
As Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart approaches the twilight of his career, they need a long-term solution between the sticks. Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher would be a perfect fit.
The 25-year-old has played back-up to Alisson Becker but has been reliable when called upon in the Premier League, cup competitions and the Europa League.
His occasional lapses in concentration are understandable due to a lack of regular playing time, but Kelleher would likely sparkle in the Scottish Premiership.
With his Irish roots and hunger to prove himself, Kelleher could become the heir to Hart’s throne, safeguarding Celtic’s net for years to come.
Celtic’s connection to Ireland runs deep, and tapping into this rich vein of talent could be the key to unlocking their full potential.
Szmodics’ goals, Moran’s magic and Kelleher’s safe hands would bolster Celtic’s ranks in all areas of the pitch.
Image Source: unsplash.com