Derek McInnes has told Celtic why they must sign 'next Andy Robertson'
Derek McInnes' previous praise of James Penrice proves why Celtic are right to be targeting the AEK Athens defender this summer.
Penrice has emerged onto Celtic's radar after an impressive season with AEK Athens following a move from Hearts last summer.
The 27-year-old helped his new side win the Greek Super League in his debut campaign at the club, and could be set to return to Scotland after just a year away.
Widespread reports are claiming that the Hoops have enquired about his availability in the last few days as Martin O'Neill searches for left-back reinforcements.
Marcelo Saracchi played second fiddle to Kieran Tierney last season, but Celtic have decided against signing him permanently this summer.
Penrice will be a familiar name to many Celtic supporters, who will be pleased to potentially get one over Rangers manager McInnes after his previous praise of the 27-year-old.
Derek McInnes wanted to keep player who's like Liverpool legend
Penrice featured 33 times throughout the last campaign as Athens cruised to their 14th Super League title.
He had registered nine goal contributions in 46 games for Hearts before a £2million move to Greece, with McInnes powerless to keep him at the club as he was appointed as their new boss last summer.
The then-Jambos boss did not get to work with Penrice, but revealed his fondness and admiration for him just a week on from his departure in July.
He said: "Just when you get your best Christmas present (Lawrence Shankland staying), James Penrice gets sold later that day. That was a blow for us because we were really looking forward to working with James. But such was the deal for the club and for the boy, it was the right thing.
"I thought it was a brilliant signing for Hearts when they got him. I think he's done brilliantly for Hearts and he's deserving of the opportunity that's been given to him."
McInnes also compared Penrice to Scotland captain Robertson, saying: "I tried to take him to Kilmarnock. I think he was almost like a young Andy Robertson when he got his move. I thought there were similarities. When I got the job at Hearts, I was kind of regretting saying that and thinking: 'I hope we can just hold on to him'. But we always felt he was a slight risk."
Robertson was a target for Celtic ahead of the summer window, as revealed by Football Insider, but his move to Spurs saw them move on to other possible signings.
Why have Celtic failed to re-sign Saracchi?
Saracchi featured 27 times across all competitions for Celtic last season and became a favourite of interim manager O'Neill.
He insisted in February that the club should look to sign Saracchi permanently in the summer window, and talks opened when he was confirmed as the Hoops' new permanent manager.
Celtic were after another loan deal, which was against the player's wishes, as Boca insisted that he was available for just over £1.3m.
The Celtic Way have reported that the club refused to ever return with a formal offer because they were not willing to meet his full wage demands, meaning Penrice is now their top target at left-back.