The need for Celtic to recruit homegrown players for European competition is a demand that always requires consideration at Parkhead.
Of course, developing or recruiting Scottish assets can also serve as a reminder that local talent can thrive when given the opportunity at the club, bolstering the national game as a result.
First and foremost, winning at Celtic is a requirement that doesn’t need a detailed explanation; however, possessing a core of individuals who understand these demands first-hand due to their footballing background can aid the collective mentality of the group.
67 Hail Hail take a look at three homegrown players that the Bhoys could consider this summer in the market.
Scott McKenna is available on a free transfer
Scott McKenna could become a compelling option on this list for three key reasons. He is available on a free transfer while being homegrown and may help soften Brendan Rodgers’ central defensive concerns [Capology].
Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke haven’t been able to nail down a starting place under the Irishman, so he may move to strengthen his backline if the opportunity presents itself.
Per Sofascore, the Scotland international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at FC Copenhagen, maintained an average match rating of 7.00/10, making an average of 4.3 clearances, 3.3 ball recoveries and 0.8 interceptions per league appearance (13).
McKenna is also someone who is admired by Celtic boss Rodgers, given his advances to try and land his signature back in 2019 resulted in a rejected £5 million bid when he was at Aberdeen.
Now on the market for nothing, the Kirriemuir-born man is bound to have interest in his services this summer.
Lennon Miller has been floated as a potential option
I’m not the first person to suggest this, with several pundits having already touted Celtic as a potential destination for Lennon Miller.
Either way, at just 17 years old, his debut campaign at Motherwell has been mightily impressive, where he has registered one goal and three assists in 32 outings [Transfermarkt].
Holding his own against experienced Scottish Premiership professionals, the youngster has established himself as a tenacious presence in the top flight, winning 144 duels, 46 aerial battles (69.7%), claiming possession 12 times in the final third and making 149 ball recoveries this term.
His age shouldn’t be a barrier to first-team access, though the potential to acquire Miller and then loan him out again to continue his development does appear to sound like a wise investment. Due to the entirely theoretical nature of this piece, he may fancy an entirely different route to establish himself.
Danny Armstrong’s creativity has shone through at Kilmarnock
Listen, I’m not suggesting any of these players are legitimate transfer targets for Celtic or capable of walking into the first team; I am merely highlighting why the club should be doing due diligence inside and outside of the Scottish Premiership to nail down who can bring something different to the table.
Danny Armstrong has certainly done that at Kilmarnock, scoring nine times and laying on 14 assists in 47 outings under Derek McInnes [Transfermarkt].
Arguably the best creative player in Scotland outside of the Glasgow divide, the Taunton-born man created 25 big chances on league duty, threaded 2.5 key passes per match and averaged 1.9 shots on goal across 2023/24 [Sofascore].
Celtic did struggle for output from the wide areas earlier in the campaign; meanwhile, Armstrong has illustrated he is capable of fashioning a regular supply for his frontmen.
On the face of it, he is an interesting player on paper who again, won’t have any shortage of suitors in the transfer window.