Timely boost as Mackay-Steven signs pre-contract

Delighted we have made the pre-contract signing of Gary Mackay-Steven.  Gary signed for Dundee United from Airdrie in 2011 as a 20-year-old and soon became a popular figure for United fans.  He has been one of several members of Jackie McNamara’s squad who has attracted attention this season and will be a loss to the former Celtic defender.

It’s all about the system

Gary is left-footed but can play on either side of the 3-behind-the-striker Ronny Deila likes to deploy.  He is industrious and has a bag of tricks that makes for a good highlights video on YouTube.

I watched him turn it on against Dundee on New Years’ Day, and fondly recall a virtuoso Scottish Cup performance at Ibrox, but I’m always reluctant to offer a recommendation on a player we’ve only seen against Celtic, or in the odd TV game.  The most encouraging part of this deal is that Celtic will have watched the player literally dozens of times – we want to get our first choice players, and we don’t want to be dependent on the recommendation of a foreign-based acquaintance.

United may consider cashing-in on the player this month, but I’m sure it won’t be for the £80k Sheffield United offered earlier this week.

This will be a timely boost ahead of tomorrow’s important game against Hamilton Accies, who I’ve watched a fair bit of this season.  They are a far better team than we thought they were went they left Celtic Park with a win in October, while their pitch provides a different challenge.

It’s as game I expect us to win but I’ll be happy when the result is in the bag.

Many thanks to everyone who booked tickets for the CQN11 St Patrick’s Night on Friday 13 March at the Kerrydale suite.  You can book at the bottom of this page, or email me if you’d like to hold a ticket, celticquicknews@gmail.com .

The event has been live for less than 24 hours and we are already well on the way to funding the school kitchen in Malawi for Mary’s Meals.