Celtic told to sign ‘proper’ full-back after source’s Josip Juranovic reveal – McAvennie
Frank McAvennie has told Celtic to sign a replacement for Josip Juranovic in case he leaves in January.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker insisted Anthony Ralston needs competition to ensure good performances.
On 17 November, sources told this site that the Celts have given the green light to Juranovic, 27, to leave in January after new contract talks collapsed.
The Green and Whites are now at risk of losing the key defender just 18 months after his arrival despite his contract running until 2026.
Parkhead bosses have attempted to tie down the Croatian to a new deal but he is keen to listen to offers from elite clubs.
The Celts are willing to sell the right-back if their asking price is met and are braced for offers after the World Cup.
Ralston has deputised for Juranovic so far this season and McAvennie insisted he needs the competition.
“We have seen Tony Ralston come in and he does alright,” he told Football Insider.
“Juranovic is a proper full-back. No disrespect to Ralston, in Scotland he is scoring goals and creating chances. Going forward he is unbelievable and he scores goals now.
“He is obviously relishing in the challenge but he needs the competition. It is the same with [Alexandro] Bernabei and Greg Taylor, all of a sudden he stepped up.
“I think we definitely need a proper full-back. Somebody that can push Ralston.“
In other news, McManus has issued ‘sensational’ Celtic verdict as significant windfall on the way.