The Celtic defence this season has been, ropey, to put it mildly. Eleven goals conceded in twelve in the Scottish League and NINE conceded in three in the Europa League. The signing of Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy was meant to give us the steel in the centre of defence to help give the Hoops a more solid backline and after an impressive debut against Ross County, where the big Irishman scored, his performances have been abject.
So why then, according to reports today, are Celtic being linked with Charlton midfielder Alfie Doughety? Doughety has been linked with a move to Parkhead since September this year and it seems clear that Lennon fancies the 20 year old midfielder.
Doughety can play a number of positions in midfield, including on the left wing, and Lennon could see this as a benefit to the squad as there is a lack of competition in that position. Doughety would be free to sign a pre contract with Celtic in January but Lennon could move to bring the youngster in sooner with the possibility of a development fee being paid to secure the move in the transfer window.
Celtic fans would have been hoping that top of Lennon’s list would have been a central defender to offer more competition and options, but possibly with the returning of Julien, Ajer and Elhamed, the Parkhead boss feels he has enough in the squad to deal with the domestic demands as progression in Europe after Christmas now seems unlikely this season.