Celtic will cast the net far and wide this summer in their attempts to recruit quality additions heading into the forthcoming 2024/25 campaign.
Of course, Brendan Rodgers still has important matters to attend to this season, and the prospect of a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double is still realistic at Parkhead.
With six league matches left to play, Celtic know that emerging victorious in their remaining fixtures is enough to guarantee title glory amid their 3-3 draw at Ibrox last weekend against Rangers.
Psychologically, there is also the matter of our rivals’ clash away to Dundee being called off once again, signifying that we could now have a chance to go four points clear against St Mirren at home on Saturday.
Should Rodgers’ men do enough to win the league, there is an added carrot of automatic entry to the new Champions League format, which could be enticing for our potential transfer targets.
Nevertheless, pundit Jim Duffy has been reacting to a left-field Celtic transfer suggestion a little closer to home.
Jim Duffy on Celtic transfer theory involving Luke McCowan
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, former Greenock Morton manager Duffy reacted to a surprise suggestion from a caller claiming that Dundee winger Luke McCowan should be on Celtic’s radar this summer.
The 26-year-old has been in some impressive form for the Tayside outfit this term, registering nine goals and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Despite acknowledging his goalscoring prowess, Duffy feels the former Ayr United man wouldn’t be able to receive regular game time at Parkhead.
He stated: “He’s been terrific for Dundee, there’s no doubt about it. Last year, he was finding his feet a little bit, but this year, he’s been very important.
“He’s scored nine goals, he’s got a few assists, he’s got a lovely left foot on him. The only thing I would say is that I’m not 100% sure it’s his time; I couldn’t see him getting in the team.”
Later on, Duffy added: “I just wouldn’t see him playing on a regular basis. For a boy like him, who came from Ayr United, he’s only really had one full season at the top level. I think he needs another season of similar quality or maybe even a wee bit better.”
Finishing off, the 64-year-old explained: “I personally don’t think he’s quite ready yet to move to the Old Firm; I think he would get lost inside the size of squads that they have.”
Celtic should be aiming their standards higher this summer
Without intending disrespect, Celtic have a scouting network that enables them to scour the world for potential additions, a well-trodden path that has bore fruit over the years.
That isn’t to say we shouldn’t assess the Scottish market when the opportunity arises; however, there is a big jump between playing for Dundee and the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, though who am I to say that it couldn’t work?
Either way, it is doubtful that Celtic will pursue McCowan once the window opens; nevertheless, he deserves major credit for taking to the Scottish top flight like a duck to water.