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Celtic transfer strategy is risky and 50/50 J League strike rate shows they must aim higher - Hotline

Andy Newport was on the Boxing Day Hotline that packed a punch with injuries to two veterans and the champions signing policy discussed.

Celtic's Japanese players Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi
Celtic's Japanese players Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi

It turned out to be a sad Christmas for a couple of Scottish football’s biggest names as Craig Gordon and Steven Davis were ruled out for the remainder of the season. Rangers veteran Davis has suffered a serious knee injury while Hearts keeper Gordon sustained a horrific suspected broken leg after colliding with Dundee United’s Steven Fletcher.


And David Campbell fears those bitter blows may spell the end of two incredible careers, saying: “What a terrible way it would be for Davis and Gordon to bow out if these injuries prove to be as bad as feared. At 37 and 39, you have to wonder if they are able to come back. It would be such a shame to see these two fantastic servants to the Scottish game retire like this. Fingers crossed they can recover as soon as possible and go out on their own terms.”


Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, added: “My attendance at Celtic Park on Saturday watching Celtic maintain their nine point advantage was then later overshadowed when I heard the news of Craig Gordon’s career-threatening injury. It’s not only a tragedy for Hearts and himself but for Scotland too.”


READ MORE: Michael Beale needs Rangers Christmas gift that could keep on giving to hang on to Celtic's coattails - Keith JacksonREAD MORE: Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs eye signings

Meanwhile, Celtic look set to make another addition in January as they close in on their latest Japanese import Tomoki Iwata. But David Bryce, Troon, said: “I note that Celtic are probably going to sign the boy Iwata from the J-League. I get that the likes of Reo Hatate and Kyogo have been successful, but on the flip side Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi are not good enough in my opinion. The J League is a risky market to shop in. It appears to be the extent of Celtic’s ambitions. I also have no idea why we’re looking at another defender when what we really need is some creativity at the top end of the pitch!”

Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “Following Josip Juranovic we have yet another Celtic reserve player who is mysteriously valued at £20million now in Liel Abada. So we’ve now got Matt O’Riley and the above two all worth millions, which is strange as two out of the three have never been in a winning Celtic side in a European fixture! Who would have thought performances in Scotland could make you worth so much?”


Rangers maintained their perfect start under Michael Beale on Friday night by beating Ross County but Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, wasn’t impressed by the antics of the away support in Dingwall, saying: “Shame on the Rangers fans who sang songs lamenting the late Tommy Burns. The shameful scenes around Scottish grounds after the passing of Queen Elizabeth set a new low in morality and the Rangers supporters should know better.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen fan Iain Alan, Linlithgow, saw his Christmas ruined by the Dons’ defeat in Paisley. He said: “I know this is pantomime season but there can be no bigger farce than the Aberdeen defence. What an absolute shambles from start to finish against St Mirren, caught in possession for two of the goals, giving away three penalties and the captain heading off early to finish his Christmas shopping! Sooner the transfer window opens the better.”

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