‘Brilliant for both clubs’ – Manager reveals Rangers & Celtic transfer missions, Whelan reacts
Gillingham defender Jack Tucker would be a “brilliant” signing for Rangers or Celtic, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes either of the Glasgow giants could snap up a gem in a deal which would be a huge financial boost for the League One outfit.
Gillingham boss Steve Evans revealed to the Scottish Sun that both Rangers and Celtic have scouted the 20-year-old on a regular basis during what has been his breakthrough season.
“I know Ross Wilson at Rangers well. He’s got an extensive scouting network. They’ve watched Jack numerous times. I know Celtic have, too,” Evans said.
However, Whelan says that while signing potential gems from lower league clubs could prove valuable in the future, both Rangers and Celtic need to bring in experienced talent to stay competitive at the top.
“I think if you’re going to be chasing Celtic, you’ve got to have people that are ready to step in now with real quality,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“You can’t be expecting a player to step up from Gillingham to go to playing European football. You’re going to need backups and he would be a backup – training with the first team, getting used to it all.
“He would be learning from the experienced players around him. I’m all for going and getting your gems and I think that’s fantastic. That’s how these lower league clubs survive, producing these one or two that are going to give you the money to keep them alive and going.
“On that side, brilliant for both clubs but if they’re going to be serious about winning championships and pushing further into Europe, they’ve got to buy well, they’ve got to buy good, established players who can fit straight in.”
Both Rangers and Celtic have brought in promising young talent from England in recent transfer windows.
Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a first-team talent at Parkhead after his move from Manchester City, while George Edmundson has played regularly for the Gersafter joining from Oldham.
In other Rangers news, Alan Hutton has been left drooling as the clubs set their sights on a Premier League freebie.