Former Celtic striker and Sky Sports pundit, Andy Walker, has criticised Hearts handling of Parkhead target Aaron Hickey as the young full-back continues to attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Speaking on Sky Sports and reported in The Scottish Sun, Walker is at a loss as to why the Tynecastle club didn’t offer a longer deal sooner when it became clear that he was going to be a regular first-team player.
Hickey is approaching the last year of his contract which will only reduce any fee that Hearts get and Walker feels that they have only got themselves to blame for potentially missing out on millions.
“With just one year left on his contract, it’s no surprise to learn Hickey is a wanted man.
“In all honesty, I’m struggling to understand why Hearts have misread this so badly.
“How they did not recognise Hickey would become their most sellable asset a year ago is beyond me!
“From a Hearts point of view, they have passed up the very real prospect of bringing in millions to the club by not offering Hickey a long-term contract over the past 12 months.
“I imagine they will lose him for a pittance and they will only have themselves to blame.”
Celtic will be hoping that Hickey’s familiarity with the club will sway any decision in their favour having been a product of their youth system before making the short trip along the M8 to join Hearts.
Clubs from the Premier League and the continent are said to be monitoring Hickey’s situation as the saga over which league the Jambos will play their football in next season continues to rumble on.
For all that the 17-year old might not immediately make the starting line-up, if the Celtic were able to secure the services of a player with his talent for a reduced fee it could be money well spent, however, given the importance of next season, it might not be the time for throwing youngsters into such a highly pressurised environment when winning will be all that matters.