They’d all like to play for Real Madrid

Virgil van Dijk is a class defender, one of the best we’ve seen in recent decades, but there’s no revelation in the fact that he would consider moving to the right club at a more testing league; they all would.  The only pertinent fact about Virgil is that several clubs may put that to the test later this year.

The main thing to consider with Virgil is that he’s not likely to ‘Do a Kelvin’, and report as not in the right frame of mind to play, midway through Champions League qualifiers.  With Jason Denayer wanted back in Manchester, it’s important Celtic retain Virgil for the qualifiers, or are sufficiently compensated before then that they can confidently secure the early signatures of prime targets.

From what I hear, Virgil’s been more than professional in his dealings with the club.  He’s not running campaigns to leave and despite the plainly obvious that they would all like to play for Real Madrid, if the right move doesn’t materialise, he’ll get stuck in at Celtic for next season.  So it’s not time to reminisce on favourite VVD moments yet, like the time that wee boy bounced off him at Hampden.

Trophy Day at Celtic Park is coming up on Sunday, 24 May when we play Inverness, when the Foundation will be distributing badges before the game to raise funds for the enormous work they do for the local homeless, the world’s poor, those with autism, those with Downs, and many more people and families who need your care.

You can participate in our annual Trophy Day by volunteering to work with the Foundation before kick-off.  It is genuinely good fun and you get to step into the 127-year-old shoes those who have gone before you.

There are around 100 volunteers and we’re only looking for around 20 more, so get in soon by emailing cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk or calling 0141 551 4291.