SCOTLAND boss Gordon Strachan believes Virgil van Dijk is so good BOREDOM might drive him out of Scotland.
Celtic’s classy Dutch centre-half has been linked with several English top-flight clubs in the past year.
Everton and Southampton head the queue of admirers before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Ronny Deila has already stated he wants to keep the defender, who agreed a four-year deal when he signed from Groningen for £2.6million in June 2013.
Ex-Hoops gaffer Strachan watched Van Dijk, 24, stroll through the SPFL champions’ 2-0 victory over Partick Thistle at Firhill at the weekend.
He said: “In the second-half, he got a bit bored with the game. He decided not to bother challenging and just do enough because he knew fine well there wasn’t anything really happening for him.
“That’s the problem he’s going to have in his career.
“Does he stay in Scottish football and find it too easy? Or does he go to another level to see how good he really is?
“If a player wants to move, it is very hard to stop him. I think that’s because of agents, pressure and media coverage.
“But I have got to say, he does look as though he is handling it well.
“Some players can affect a club when they are in these positions, but I don’t think he is affecting Celtic.
“I love when I hear a manager say a player is not for sale at any price. Of course, there is. There is a price for everyone.
“I think that expression should be made redundant. That’s stupid because there is a price where you will sell.
“But sometimes it is down to the player and how much he wants to move on his career.
“However, I think he also appreciates what Celtic have done for him to put him in that position.
“But Celtic are also in a good position just now and they’ll be in a better position if – or when – they bet Malmo in the play-off for the Champions League.”
