'He is a great player, I'd take him' - Exclusive: McAvennie excited by new Celtic link

Frank McAvennie insisted he would rather have David Marshall than Joe Hart as Celtic 'start to look' for Fraser Forster alternatives.

The Hoops legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, suggested that Marshall, 35, could handle the pressure at Parkhead having began his career with the club.

The Daily Record claim that the Wigan Athletic goalkeeper is high on the list of names being considered to take the number one jersey if a deal for Forster falls through.

The Scotland international has one year left on his contract at the DW Stadium but is likely to be available for a nominal fee after the Latics went into administration last week.

Football Insider understands free agents Joe Hart and Vaclav Hladky are also under consideration after they left Burnley and St. Mirren respectively.

When asked by Football Insider for his take on the goalkeeping situation at Parkhead, McAvennie said: "Lenny is starting to look at other players.

"There is talk about Marshall coming up. I think the fact that Marshall has been at Celtic before is a big benefit.

"At Celtic you have to win every week and some players cannot handle that. They do not accept defeat.

"It has to be the right man that comes up, in any position, and they need the character. Some players cannot handle the rivalry against Rangers and the demands of playing for a big club.

"I suspect there will be some decent teams coming in for Marshall but he would be a good bet because he is a great keeper. I would take him over Joe Hart, that is for sure."

In other Celtic news, Noel Whelan tips club to sign Ajer replacement from European giants after major development.

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