Brendan Rodgers wants Celtic to sign Irish centre-back

Most Celtic fans want the club to sign one Irish international this summer. That is none other than Adam Idah. The striker had a wonderful loan spell at Parkhead last season. He arrived in the winter and expectations were not high, largely due to his underwhelming record at Norwich City. But he proved the critics wrong and was a difference-maker for the Hoops.

 

Idah scored 9 goals for Celtic despite mostly playing the role of an impact subsitute. The highlight was clearly him scoring the winner in the Scottish Cup final against the Rangers. One would hope tht that is not his last contribution in the Hoops.

At the same time, it looks like Rodgers has another Irish international on his radar. And he plays on the opposite end of the pitch, in the heart of defence.

 

That player is none other than Dara O’Shea of Burnley. As reported by The Celtic Star, while speaking on Mail Sport, McGowan claimed that Brendan wants Dara O’Shea and Michel-Ange Balikwisha as part of his plans to strengthen his side this summer:

 

“Rodgers has also targeted Burnley central defender Dara O’Shea and Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha before the end of the window and outlined his stance in a meeting with chief executive Michael Nicholson and finance director Chris McKay.”

Brendan Rodgers wants Celtic to sign Irish centre-back

Defence was viewed as a weakness for Celtic last season with Cameron Carter-Vickers struggling to remain fit. In the American international’s absence, Liam Scales ended up establishing himself as the club’s most regular centre-back, almost out of nowhere.

 

Scales did well overall but there is a feeling that that is an area where there is scope for improvement for Celtic. And it looks like O’Shea is someone they would like to bring in.

Of course, one has to mention Balikwisha as well. The Belgian winger has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow in recent weeks. It remains to be seen if the Hoops end up making a move for the Royal Antwerp ace.