Compper and our central defs, (G)Invincible

Leipzip central defender, Marvin Compper (32), us cup-tied for the Europa League but that is of little concern to Brendan Rodgers as he looks to reshape his team for the future. We are not buying for the Europa League, Celtic’s primary responsibility in each transfer window is to prepare for future Champions League qualifiers.

There is likely to be a bit of traffic in-and-out in central defence over the next couple of transfer windows. What Brendan needs before any activity gets underway is that he has sufficiently experience headcount in place to see him through to 1 September 2018.

We were in a very similar situation in June this year. Patrick Roberts was wanted back at the club, but there was never any certainty Manchester City would agree. That left James Forrest as the only right mid option – and James is not unfamiliar with an injury lay-off. As a consequence, we recruited Jonny Hayes early in the window, to increase our options at right mid from one to two.

There’s a good chance we are going to be shopping for a central defender in the summer, but we will be reluctant to sell any of the three seniors in the squad without an experienced addition.

Compper fits the bill. He is at the stage of his career where a former German international (albeit with limited experience of the NT) would consider a move to Scotland. He is three years younger than Kolo Toure when he joined, so we can hope for a bit more from him. It will be interesting to see what he is like on the deck.

Win an overnight stay at Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews

We have a fantastic Christmas present you can win – an overnight stay with Eden Mill BLENDWORKS at Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews, AND help Mary’s Meals. It is part of the Eden Mill (G)Invincibles celebration of season 2016-17.  The winner, plus one guest, will get the entire Eden Mill BLENDWORKS experience, which itself is worth £95 per person.  This is a great prize and an incredible extra Christmas present for someone (competition ends midnight 23rd, winner will be notified Christmas Eve).

Competition details are here.

*There’s still time to get a signed copy of Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary, Right Back to 67, in time for Christmas. And we will also give you a free copy of That Season in Paradise, signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Willie Wallace. Just order Right Back to 67 today at www.cqnbookstore.co.uk