This summer might well be the most important in Celtic’s recent history. After losing their grasp on the title, they will need to come out and make a statement of intent.
That might be easier said than done with the threat of Odsonne Edouard leaving, but a new manager and indeed a new CEO, should help calm things down.
One of the first priorities will be to address the playing squad. A mass exodus of around 12 players could occur if you believe The Athletic’s predictions so there could be openings for some of their young players.
After all, it’s an area the Hoops are striving to improve in with Liam Shaw already arriving and links to both Kyle Joseph and Kwadwo Baah.
It’s clearly an important area for the Bhoys to target considering Cameron Harper has already left and that Karamoko Dembele’s contract is expiring.
One opening could be at left-back where Diego Laxalt will leave a space behind when he heads back to Milan. With Boli Bolingoli’s future also uncertain, it may well leave Greg Taylor as their only option.
Should Paterson get a chance next season?
Of course
Not yet
With that in mind, Celtic should consider unleashing 19-year-old Brody Paterson.
The left-back has never featured in the Hoops senior team but has made promising strides while on loan at Queen’s Park this season.
Featuring at left back and on the left of midfield, he could be one of a number of players including the likes of Adam Montgomery and Luca Connell to get an opportunity in 2020/21.
But why should Paterson get a chance? Well, he fits the mantra of a modern-day full-back, bombing forward with great regularity.
When he first put pen to paper on a temporary stay with Queen’s Park last year, Head Coach Ray McKinnon said “I’m excited we’ve managed to get Brody to join us this season. He’s a very talented, athletic young player who will give us great balance and options up and down the left-hand side of the field.”
Paterson hasn’t had too much game to sink his teeth into but he was awarded the Man of the Match award when Queen’s Park lost 3-1 to Queen of the South.
A player with athletic qualities, he’ll certainly fit into the attacking nature that Celtic try to play with. Taylor has been in top form of late, playing 2.1 key passes per match over his last ten outings.
With Laxalt and Bolingoli potentially on their way out, the teenager should get a chance to step in and play second fiddle to Taylor. Celtic clearly rate him highly too. He only signed a new deal in May of last year, a contract that will keep him at Paradise until at least 2023.
Paterson has now earned his first taste of senior football and deserves to be a part of Celtic’s rebuild.
AND in other news, Celtic must ruthlessly axe £15k-p/w flop this summer, Lennon once called him “stupid”…