Celtic continue to be linked with a host of strikers as Neil Lennon looks to add extra firepower to his already prolific front line.
After a stunning 5-1 opening day victory, many would think that the last thing they need is additions to the forward department and Noel Whelan, speaking to Football Insider, believes that there is already a fierce competition for places.
So what has Whelan said?
When asked if he feels that Patryk Klimala has forced his way ahead of Leigh Griffiths behind Odsonne Edouard after his goal against the Accies, he said:
“Leigh Griffiths had an excellent season last year when called upon. He is one of those players that is a natural goalscorer. He has the ability but now there is competition there.
“He did not help himself coming back overweight. I think it has put him down the pecking order now and there could be a bit of a scrap on for the strikers.
“You need competition for places at big clubs and Celtic are a big club. They are in lots of competitions so they need strength in depth.”
So is Whelan correct?
The Poland youth international could certainly feel aggrieved should he find himself out of favour with Neil Lennon, having returned from lockdown in excellent physical condition and scoring a few goals in pre-season.
Who is the first choice back-up to Edouard?
Griffiths
Klimala
For a while it looked as though Griffiths’s Celtic career was over, however, two assists in the final pre-season fixture drew praise from the Hoops gaffer but he obviously still has a long way to go with bids for both Ivan Toney and Albian Ajeti currently being negotiated.
Lennon has the option of going with a lone frontman or two upfront and with the quality he has at his disposal, competition can only be a good thing as he looks to secure what would be one of the most celebrated titles in the club’s history.