Celtic keep close tabs on Scotland team’s No.1 – Could he be the man to ease Lennon’s woes in goal?

published

by

Siddharth

Why David Marshall would be a great fit at Celtic

According to Daily Mail (h/t Leeds Live), Celtic are keeping close tabs on Wigan Athletic goalkeeper David Marshall.

The Scotsman came through the ranks at Celtic before leaving them in 2007 to play for a host of English clubs such as Norwich City, Cardiff City, Hull City, and Wigan Athletic. The 35-year-old is currently the first-choice keeper at Wigan, having joined them just last summer.

David Marshall of Wigan Athletic in action during the FA Cup third-round match against Leicester City at The ,King Power Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Leicester, England.
David Marshall of Wigan Athletic in action during the FA Cup third-round match against Leicester City at The ,King Power Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Leicester, England. (Getty Images)

Despite his growing age, Marshall has impressed with 12 clean sheets from 33 Championship matches in his maiden season at DW Stadium. His excellent displays between the sticks for Wigan has seen him become one of the first names on the teamsheet under manager Paul Cook.

A veteran of 399 Championship and 53 Premier League matches respectively, Marshall is not short of talent. A first-choice keeper with all his former clubs, Marshall has also represented Scotland 33 times and is currently their No.1 goalkeeper.

Signing Marshall would be a safe bet for Celtic

Celtic are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, with their former keeper Fraser Forster the main target. Wigan’s David Marshall also under consideration. Forster, who played a key role in helping Celtic clinch their ninth successive domestic league title last season, returned to his parent club Southampton at the end of his loan spell.

Fraser Forster left for his parent club Southampton at the end of his loan spell last season.
Fraser Forster, who was the main keeper at Celtic last season left for his parent club Southampton at the end of his loan spell. (Getty Images)

Celtic also lost Craig Gordon, who left them for rivals Hearts at the end of his contract at Parkhead last month. The Hoops are just left with 28-year-old keeper Scott Bain in their ranks and he is clearly not one of Lennon’s favourites, having made just two league appearances last term.

Apart from Bain, Celtic have no back-up in the squad and this will seriously dampen the squad’s chances of staying at the top in the domestic league. Considering all this, a move for veteran Marshall seems like a safe option for Celtic at the moment.

Craig Gordon, whose contract at Celtic expired recently joined rivals Hearts.
Craig Gordon, whose contract at Celtic expired recently joined rivals Hearts. (Getty Images)

He is also a cheaper alternative compared to Forster and has been excellent in recent times, meaning he could be a perfect fit at Celtic Park.

Read more:

Verdict

Celtic are in dire need of an established keeper to guard their post and the experienced Marshall would be a great option. A former academy product, it would not take Marshall much time to adjust to the new surroundings at Parkhead. Moreover, his consistent performances for a variety of clubs over such a long time make him the right choice for a club like Celtic.