McLeish backs Celtic to sign new Roy Aitken after development
Alex McLeish has backed Celtic to sign a defender like “Billy McNeil or Roy Aitken” this summer.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Hoops need a powerful and commanding presence at the heart of the defence.
The Hoops cut Shane Duffy’s loan spell short this week as he was videoed back in training with parent club Brighton.
The 29-year-old was tipped by many to be a roaring success at Parkhead thanks to his Premier League and international experience.
He made a dream start to life in Glasgow, scoring in his opening two games, but a dramatic drop in form saw him fall down the pecking order.
McLeish insisted Celtic need to replace the Republic of Ireland star with a “massive, giant leader” this summer.
“Listen, the set-piece thing is a bonus for a defender,” McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“What you want is a massive, giant leader at the back. Okay, I’m going back in the past but I’m talking Billy McNeill or Roy Aitken. You’re talking leaders like that.
“Nowadays with speed and the ability to use the ball but most importantly, the ability to keep the ball out of your net. That’s what they need. They need a powerful figure at the back there.”
Duffy played 27 times and scored three goals during his loan spell at Celtic.
However, his last league appearance came in a 2-1 win over St Johnstone back in February.
In other news, Frank McAvennie has revealed “whispers” over new Celtic manager.