PL flyer would send fans into meltdown: Three players Celtic must sign to solve big problem area
COMMENT
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been pretty lucky this season that left-back Kieran Tierney has managed to avoid injury until now.
Tierney, 20, has made a staggering 48 appearances in all competitions this season and there were stats that proved he was the most-used outfield player in European football earlier in the campaign.
The Hoops allowed Emilio Izaguirre to leave Parkhead in the summer but failed to find a back-up left-back to fill the void should Tierney suffer an injury.
The Scotland international's form and fitness has covered over the fact that the lack of a second option in that area is a big problem for Rodgers and one that must be solved in the summer.
As it stands, Calvin Miller is the only natural left-back with first-team experience for the Bhoys, but Rodgers option to use Callum McGregor in Tierney's role against Motherwell on Sunday with little pleasure.
Rodgers had better hope that Tierney's setback is not as serious as the one he had last season because it could cause a real slump in form at the business end of the campaign.
Here, Football Insider looks at three left-back options that Rodgers must aim to sign in the summer transfer window.
Click 'reveal' below to read about the first left-back that should be looked at
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Greg Cunningham (Preston)
Cunningham is a proven operator in England's Championship and would be an ideal back-up solution to Tierney.
The four-times Republic of Ireland international began his career at Manchester City and has made 166 appearances in England's second-tier since leaving the Etihad to play for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Preston.
This season, the 27-year-old has had a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury but he is now back to his best and is known for his solid defensive play as well as his ability to bomb down the left-flank.
He could be a good rotational option with Tierney for the Champions League and Premiership games and will probably not cost an arm and a leg.
Click 'next page' below to read about the Scottish assist king tearing up his league
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Barry Douglas (Wolves)
Douglas has been in scintillating form for Wolves ever since he was signed by Nuno Espirito Santo in the summer.
The Mirror had reported that Wanderers had hijacked Celtic in their attempt to sign Douglas, 21, while he was at Konyaspor.
It was understood he was valued at £750,000 but the flying Scot has been brilliant at Molineux this season and would no doubt cost a lot more now.
If Wolves spend big in the summer they may improve on someone like Douglas and leave him alienated after his had work this term that has seen him score four goals and supply 13 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.
Click 'next page' below to read about which senior player who should be allowed to leave
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James McClean (West Brom)
Although McClean is mainly seen as a winger, he has proved at West Brom that he can put in a shift at left-back.
Celtic do not really need a defensive option to provide back-up to Tierney, they need someone who is versatile and can be a major handful against certain teams.
The Premier League flyer has made it clear in the past that he wants to sign for Celtic before the end of his career and with the Baggies almost certain to suffer relegation this season, there's no time better than the summer for him to realise that dream.
Fans would go into absolute meltdown too if McClean was to rock up at Parkhead due to his strong support of the Hoops and alignment of his political and religious beliefs.
McClean would also be a good back-up option to Scott Sinclair on the left-wing as the Englishman's form has really suffered in the past few months.