Celtic backed to complete 'smart' Dara O'Shea signing - expert

Celtic have been backed to complete the signing of Burnley centre-back Dara O'Shea as they look to strengthen their squad.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie insisted recruiting from the Premier League is an ideal way to strengthen Brendan Rodgers' team.

O'Shea's Burnley side were relegated last season, but McAvennie insists his experience in the English top flight will lend itself to the players around him at Parkhead.

Liam Scales was named as a particular beneficiary, suggesting he could learn from the new arrival and develop his game, although he may be sidelined in the short term.

Celtic backed to complete Dara O'Shea signing

O'Shea moved to Burnley from West Brom last summer and made 37 appearances, but was unable to save his side from relegation.

McAvennie insisted his experience of Premier League football could be vital to Celtic ahead of their return to Champions League football, calling for his former club to get the deal over the line.

"It's a smart signing, of course it is," he told Football Insider.

"I don't know how old the boy is, but somebody who's played in the Premier League is going to be better than what we've got.

"No disrespect, but our players like Liam Scales will learn from these players just by watching and training with them.

"He'll have that experience, especially in European ties where he'll know not to go chasing the ball. It's experience like that the centre-backs can learn from.

"I think it'll be good for Scales to learn from him.

"He's not the finished article, so he can learn and maybe come back into the team at a later date once he's got a bit more experience.

"I'd be interested seeing any player joining Celtic who's come up from down south, as long as the club have done their due diligence."

In other news, Reo Hatate could complete a £15million move.

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