CELTIC are about to miss out on Scotland striker Tommy Conway who is poised to sign for Middlesbrough today.
The 22-year-old frontman is on the verge of quitting Bristol City after they accepted a £4.5million bid from the Riverside club.
Conway, who made his international debut in the 2-2 friendly draw with Finland in June and was a late call-up to the Euros, is due a medical on Teesside this morning.
The forward scored 10 goals in the Championship and two in the English FA Cup last term to attract the attention of Brendan Rodgers.
HIGH HOPES…Tommy Conway sends in a header with Celtic-bound Finnish international keeper Viljami Sinisalo ready to make the save in Scotland’s 2-2 draw at Hampden in June.
The Parkhead side eventually sealed the £9.5million arrival of Adam Idah from Norwich City yesterday, but are still a hitman short with just the Republic of Ireland star and Kyogo Furuhashi to share the attack-leadership duties.
Rodgers’ idea was to bring in Rocco Vata as back-up, but the teenager left at the end his contract for Watford last month.
Conway, who only had a year left on his Ashton Gate deal, was reported to be on the Irishman’s wanted list, but it looks as though any move is about to be scuppered by Boro – unless there is an unexpected late u-turn.
Michael Carrick, who saw his club thrash Leeds United 3-0 at Elland Road last night to set up a tie with Stoke City in the next round of the Carabao Cup, was keeping tightlipped about the situation.
The former Manchester United and England international midfielder, speaking to The Northern Echo, said: “When anyone is our player, I’ll happily talk about it, but until that moment, then out of respect, I can’t really say much.
“I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do. But, sure, as soon as there’s anything, I’ll speak on it.
“And, hopefully, there will be soon. Then, we’ll let you know and I’ll be happy to speak about it then.”
FLYING THE FLAG…Tommy Conway celebrates after his late call-up to the Scotland squad for Euro 24 competition in Germany in June.
Conway, who has scored three goals in seven appearances for the Scotland Under-21 side, had been flagged up to the champions last season by long-time Celtic fan Steve Evans, manager of Rotherham United.
The experienced and much-travelled team boss recommended Matt O’Riley to Parkhead chiefs before the London-born Danish international playmaker was signed from third-tier MK Dons for a bargain £1.5million in January 2022.
In May this year, Evans, as reported in CQN, stated: “I see a lot of Celtic – they’re the only club other than Rotherham that I’d have left Stevenage for – and if you’re asking me, could Conway play at Celtic? Absolutely.”
Taunton-born Conway qualifies to play for the Scots through grandfather Danny who hailed from Stirling. His dad Joe is a member of the Tartan Army.
Boro appear the have won the race for the exciting raider which will also disappoint Premier League quartet Wolves, Brentford, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
