BRAZILLIANT: HOOPS TARGET SHINES

CELTIC’S reported target Piero Hincapie put in a five-star display as Ecuador held Brail 1-1 in the Copa America clash last night.

Hoops scouts took in the game where the 19-year-old central defender played a crucial role in helping his nation into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Hincapie, who is rated in the £3.5million region by top-flight Argentinian club Talleres de Cordoba, made certain the hosts failed to win their first game in 11 outings.

Hincapie played the full 90 minutes against the tournament favourites who decided to rest £200million striker Neymar. The teen was rarely troubled as the defence restricted their opponents to a mere six efforts on target, according to ESPN.

The back-four formation was unlocked in the 37th minute when defender Eder Miltao climbed to high to power in a header from a free-kick, but substitute Angel Mena claimed the leveller eight minutes after the turnaround when he rifled a drive behind Liverpool keeper Allison.

Hincapie’s performances have been attracting attention from elsewhere with Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Lazio, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and AC Milan also keeping an eye on the defender, as CQN reported last week.