Exclusive: Celtic 13 goal/assist ace drops exit plan, pundit: ‘I can see why he wants to go’
Celtic loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi wants to quit and return to Southampton but Alan Hutton has warned he must work “incredibly hard” to play for his parent club next season.
The former Rangers and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, admits the winger has not shown enough consistency during his time at Parkhead.
The 25-year-old revealed he plans to fight for a first-team spot at St Mary’s next season after what has been a hit-and-miss season at Parkhead.
However, after seven goals and six assists in 20 appearances for the Hoops, Hutton believes the attacker has to do a lot more if he is to be playing in the Premier League next term.
Hutton told Football Insider: “We’ve seen it in flashes, at the start of the season he was very good, probably one of the main players for Celtic but he’s kind of fell away.
“I can see why he wants to go back down south, we know it’s one of the best leagues in the world. Southampton have kicked on and are doing well since the 9-0 defeat against Leicester, they’ve definitely raised their game.
“I understand why he wants to go back and prove himself. He has come out and done well, we do see it from time to time but again it’s that winger mentality, it’s a bit inconsistent.”
Asked if he thought Elyounoussi would be playing the Premier League next season, Hutton said: “That’s a difficult one. Obviously Southampton are very strong at the moment so he’s got a lot of work to do.
“Obviously him being loaned out, he came with a big fee and has been loaned out, they maybe did not see enough at that time. He’s went away and done well.
“He’s going to have to go back and work incredibly hard if he’s to get anywhere near their starting XI.”
Elyounoussi told the Scottish Sun: “I still have three years left of the contract with Southampton. I want to show a better side of myself than what I have done. I hope I can go back and fight for a place next season.”
In other Celtic news, Hutton has been left raving as a £2m-rated hitman reveals Parkhead call.