Celtic are looking for a new goalkeeper in the transfer window to fill the void left by Joe Hart between the sticks.
Undoubtedly, the former England international will be a hard man to replace following his retirement. Hart was a charismatic presence, a leader on and off the pitch and serial winner who claimed seven trophies during his time at Parkhead.
Now, the focus has turned to his potential successor, with several names linked to the club, such as Bournemouth’s Mark Travers, Newcastle United veteran Martin Dubravka and Sparta Prague’s Peter Vindahl Jensen.
While work is ongoing behind the scenes, Tosh McKinlay, who now works as a scout for the Bhoys, has given an indication of what to expect in a new goalkeeping arrival.
Tosh McKinlay on the Celtic goalkeeper search
Speaking to The Daily Record, McKinlay highlighted the importance for Celtic to bring someone in who wasn’t only a ‘big presence’ on the pitch but also in the dressing room.
He stated: “Joe was a big presence in the changing room. He had been over the course, 75 England caps tells you that, so it was a great coup for us to sign him in the first place. Now he’s retired and he’s left big gloves and big boots to fill.
“Joe is exactly the type of character you need if you’re going to go course and distance in a title race. We were wondering how we were going to fill Scott Brown’s shoes but then Callum McGregor stepped up. It’s going to be important that we get a goalkeeper now who has big stature and a big presence but also a big influence in the changing room.”
Hart was a colossal figure for Celtic and someone you could rely on to rally the troops when needed, using every ounce of his experience to lead from the front.
He is now enjoying life after football, but replacing his influence is arguably the most important transfer endeavour the club will have this summer. Replenishing these qualities isn’t an easy task, so whoever comes in has to exude authority and competence.
With the window now well and truly open, Celtic know what they need to do and the expectation on club chiefs to fulfil this prophecy.