VAN DIJK URGED TO STAY AT CELTIC

FORMER Celtic defender Tosh McKinlay believes unsettled Virgil Van Dijk would definitely benefit from a third year at Parkhead.

The classy Dutch centre-half has been linked with several English clubs, but is still under contract to Ronny Deila’s champions until the summer of 2017.

Earlier this month Van Dijk told Dutch magazine Voetbal he was disappointed Celtic hadn’t accepted any bids for him and urged them to cash in.

McKinlay, however, says the 23-year-old defender should remain at the Hoops for another season and continue to grow as a promising back-four operator.

McKinlay said: “I was lucky enough to see George Connelly in his prime and Virgil reminds me very much of him.

“I think another season at Celtic Park would stand him in good stead. Boyata has come in, but it remains to be seen if Van Dijk can make the step up to the Premier League.

“The club are in control, they can decide. Virgil is still under contract at Celtic Park so the club can decide if they want him to stay for another year.

“But I’m sure they’ll be sitting down over the next couple of weeks to decide what his future is going to be.”