Celtic will now take precedence again as they gear up for pre-season following a few weeks of respite for some of the group.
While fans have been waiting for their beloved heroes to return, EURO 2024 has been a welcome distraction for all, not least because Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston, James Forrest, and Greg Taylor were all involved in Germany with Scotland.
Unfortunately, Hungary struck late last night to end Scotland’s hope of progression from Group A, meaning the Celtic contingent and their teammates will now take a break before heading back to their respective clubs.
Of course, there is one or two players in their squad without an employer, and there could now finally be clarity on Scott McKenna’s future after he refused to rule out a Parkhead switch.
What Scott McKenna said about his future in Celtic address
McKenna is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest on a free transfer and didn’t rule out the prospect of moving to Celtic earlier this month when pressed on the topic.
He stated: “That is just natural when you have got teams the size of Celtic and Rangers. I know a lot of people who support both teams, so it is going to happen. They are going to question you, but there is nothing to tell.
“I’m without a club, so I think I would need to consider anything. There is nothing as of now, so there is nothing to think about. For me, that is completely on the back burner – I just have to do everything I can in training to try and get whatever minutes I can on the pitch here. Anything after that will take care of itself.
“There is no bigger stage if you are on the pitch to put you in the shop window. I can only do that by first and foremost training well and trying to get in the manager’s thoughts. To be honest, I am open to anything. I would never rule anything out.”
The Scotland international impressed in his national side’s defeat to Hungary last night, winning seven duels, carrying out eight defensive actions and driving six passes into the final third; nevertheless, that couldn’t save his country from suffering elimination from EURO 2024 [Fotmob].
Why there could now be clarity on Scott McKenna’s future
Although there hasn’t been any direct links reported in recent times, the fact McKenna has addressed rumours of a Celtic switch himself shows the possibility is something that has entered his conscience. Still, I write this purely from an opinion perspective, just in case anyone has the wrong idea.
With Scotland now out of the Euros, the Kirriemuir-born man will be aware that pre-season at clubs across Europe is soon to be underway.
Realistically, he is set to enjoy a break due to his tournament involvement; regardless, the former Aberdeen man won’t want to wait too long before finding a new employer.
Spending the second half of last term on loan at Copenhagen, he made 15 appearances for the Danish giants in total circa 2023/24 [Transfermarkt]. There have been suggestions that he could head back there permanently, though it remains to be seen what will come of his future.
If there is any interest from a Celtic point of view, it may not be too long before fans find out if McKenna pitching up at Parkhead is indeed a possibility.
