Celtic told to complete defensive midfielder signing - McAvennie

Celtic need to sign a defensive midfield player this summer to take up the traditional ‘number six’ role in the squad.

That is the view of former Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider about his former club’s transfer plans.

When it comes to the Hoops’ transfer business, a lot of the focus right now is on Matt O’Riley’s future, and whether or not the club can keep him.

However, fans have grown concerned over the lack of summer investment in the squad as pre-season begins to inch closer, and signing a ‘number six’ would begin to calm those worries.

Celtic did boast the best defensive record in the Scottish Premiership last season, but bolstering that aspect of the team from midfield will only strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Celtic need to strengthen their defensive options

While the Hoops were strong at the back domestically, they conceded 15 goals in six games in the Champions League, which is why signing a defensive midfielder could be beneficial.

In addition, having someone to provide a base in the middle of the pitch would free up whoever was playing alongside them to have more attacking freedom, which might benefit that individual.

“I think we still need a number six, a holding midfield player,” McAvennie told Football Insider.

“I would like to see a number six coming in and letting Matt [O’Riley] go and do his things, letting [Paulo] Bernardo go and do his things.

“Callum [McGregor] used to do it, but he can’t do it anymore; he needs to play a bit forward, I think.

“It’s going to be interesting, but I want to see a number six.”

In other news, two Premier League clubs enter the race for Celtic midfielder.

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The post Celtic told to complete defensive midfielder signing - McAvennie appeared first on Football Insider.