Seven Celtic players backed to play major role next season

Celtic Park <i>(Image: Shutterstock)</i>
Celtic Park (Image: Shutterstock)
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Frank McAvennie has backed seven players to be central to Celtic's major rebuild this summer, as big changes are predicted for the ex-striker's former side.

With a number of players unlikely to stay past their loan deals, coupled with speculation surrounding others, it seems as if it will be a busy summer for the champions, who will also be in the market for a new manager.

When asked who he would keep this summer, McAvennie named a handful of players who he would want to be a part of the squad next season. "Good question," he said. "KT’ [Kieran Tierney] is going to be there, that’s for sure.

"[Viljami] Sinisalo, I like him, and he’s done nothing wrong. I like [Alistair] Johnston and Yang’s improved. I don’t know if he’s the player of the year, but he’s the most improved player this year.

"I just like [Reo] Hatate. But I don’t know why he’s not playing the way he can play. I think he’s one of the best midfielders up here. But he’s not doing it, and I don’t know how he can switch off like that.

"There are a few... Jota’s going to be there, and you miss his flair, control of the ball, control of the game. Even [Arne] Engels, has become a better player for not playing. He’s a decent player, but he’s become better since he’s not been playing. It’s because of the midfield players.

"All of a sudden, people are saying 'Engels is a player'. But when he comes back in, he showed at the weekend he’s got that bit of class, he’s got that quality that Celtic need.

“So I’m hoping that he’s [manager Martin O'Neill] going to start Engels because he has got that quality in there.

"Maybe that’s what we need... a wee bit of flair and quality."

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