Tony Watt backs the idea of ‘brilliant’ Hearts star securing transfer to Celtic over Rangers

Celtic’s recruitment has been on point for a very long time now, and is a key reason behind the club’s continued success.

The powers that be at Celtic Park don’t always go down the road the supporters want them to, such as buying the proven stars.

Usually, it’s fishing in the pond of buying unknown players and transforming them into gems, as it will be interesting to see who Brendan Rodgers brings in this summer.

The Celtic manager has always spoken about wanting that ‘third striker’, and he wasn’t helped by Kyogo Furuhashi leaving in January, and then not being replaced.

But to the Irishman’s benefit, Daizen Maeda has gone goal crazy and taken his game to the next level since his fellow countryman departed the scene.

You suspect a striker, with some reputation, will arrive in the summer, but the Open Goal panel, which included Tony Watt, discussed the possibility of a third striker arriving via Hearts.

Lawrence Shankland backed to be Celtic’s third striker ahead of Hearts exit

Lawrence Shankland is set to be a free transfer in the summer and is expected to head for the exit door when his contract expires.

Some of the Open Goal panel, such as Paul Slane and Andy Halliday, discussed the idea of the ‘brilliant’ Hearts man securing a move to Rangers on a free.

But Watt, alongside Si Ferry, backed the idea of Shankland being Celtic’s third striker, despite his dip in form this season.

“For me, Rangers have got to take him,” said Paul Slane about Shankland. “Got to take him. I think Shankland is brilliant. This season, he hasn’t been great, but when you get him firing, he will be brilliant for Rangers.”