If at the beginning of the season you were told that one of the players signed from PSV Eindhoven by an English club this summer did well, you would probably thought that it would be Manchester United’s Memphis Depay. However this has not turned out to be the case, instead it is Georginio Wijnaldum at a poor, poor Newcastle who has taken more headlines.
Considering just how awful the Magpies have been this season, the Dutchman has been the only bright light for the Geordies, with Steve McClaren proving everyone who said he wasn’t up to the job right. Newcastle now sit 19th, with a squad that really should be doing better.
Players like Jonjo Shelvey, Siem De Jong, Andros Townsend, Henri Saviet, Chancel Mbemba and Seydou Doumbia should be fighting for European football, not relegation, and it shows just how far they have fallen. It seems a long, long time ago Newcastle were fighting for Europa League spots under Alan Pardew.
Now, much like McClaren’s hair, Newcastle are at risk of receding from the Premier League’s forehead. But, one bright spark has been Wijnaldum, who is the club’s top scorer so far this season with nine goals – three more than Ayoze Perez – which highlights just how lacklustre the forwards at St James’ Park have been.
With 41 goals in 109 games for PSV, Wijnaldum is definitely a talent and most likely the long term successor to Wesley Sneijder’s throne in the Dutch national team. As attacking midfielder for his country, he has got four goals in four appearances, highlighting just how much the Oranje rely on him.
Although there haven’t been many happy Geordies this season, Wijnaldum has occasionally given them reason to smile with his performances in black and white. As a player, he has too often pulled the rest of the team with him, and has looked so much better than his team-mates far too often.
The Dutchman looks like he should be at another bigger team, and considering Newcastle thought they could be playing in Europe, he must be gifted a move away. There are so many teams who could benefit from this talent – Arsenal for one need a leader, with players like Mesut Ozil going missing more often than not against the big sides.
The player’s versatility is one which is sure to make other teams glance at him, and his quality is sufficient for some of the biggest teams around. At the age of 25, he is soon to enter his peak, and when he does his form should peak too. At Newcastle he is being wasted, and in the likelihood that they are relegated he should seek a move to a much better team. His talent is too great to be wasted in the Championship, especially considering he could be a player in any of the top four teams’ squads.
The Netherlands may not be going to France this summer, but it won’t stop there being interest in this flying Dutchman. Though Depay gets the attention, Wijnaldum is, at the moment, the better talent.
While Louis van Gaal has undoubtedly had a ridiculous amount of injuries to deal with this season, the Dutchman simply can’t use that as much of an excuse.
Forget the fact an eye watering £250m has been invested into player recruitment over the course of his tenure, or the frankly awful style of play that has largely been deployed under his stewardship.
Today’s game with title trailing Tottenham Hotspur was a crucial one in deciding their their fate this season.
Had they have won in North London, the Red Devils could have at least kept the faint hope of qualifying for the Champions League as the beacon of light to guide them to the summer.
However, a loss against Spurs all but ended such hope.
Granted, losing to this incarnation of the White Hart Lane outfit is nothing to be ashamed about. They are second in the league for a reason after all.
Still, it’s the bizarre tactical change he opted to use at the interval that has provoked the chagrin of the United faithful.
Taking Marcus Rashford off, the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach replaced the teenage sensation with Ashley Young.
To use as a central striker.
While keeping Anthony Martial on the left.
That particular move all but brought an end to any sign of a focal point within the frontline while the scores were level.
Amid the most incredible and unpredictable season in Premier League history, every club involved in the title race has buckled under the pressure of being dubbed the ‘favourites’, their credentials bizarrely wilting at the precise moment they seem the strongest – except, of course, for current table toppers Leicester City.
Take Chelsea, for example, who 19 out of 29 BBC Sport pundits predicted would become the first club to successfully defend the English crown since Manchester United in 2008 and 2009 back in August.
It certainly seemed the most plausible outcome as the Blues waltzed their way to last season’s title virtually unopposed. But cracks first surfaced almost simultaneously with claims of a trophy dynasty beginning in west London. Chelsea’s pre-season lacked the length and intensity of their title rivals and their efforts in the transfer market proved equally short-sighted.
It took just a matter of weeks for Chelsea’s season proper to spectacularly implode, starting with the Eva Carneiro scandal on the first day of the campaign and ending with Jose Mourinho’s eventual sacking in December. Far from becoming the Premier League’s first title retainers in six years, the Blues had plummeted to 16th place, looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone, by the time Guus Hiddink stepped in.
At that point, the moniker of title favourites belonged to Manchester City. Leicester were leading the league from November onwards but the Citizens’ squad remained the most holistic, talented and expensively assembled throughout the division, with more than enough experience to catch up on those above them in the table.
Yet, when the chance to do so actually came around in February, Manuel Pellegrini’s side fell apart. Consecutive defeats to Leicester, Tottenham and Liverpool saw them drop from second to fourth – the position the Citizens have found themselves anchored in ever since.
Somewhere in between, Arsenal had the chance to capitalise, reaching top spot at the end of December. Once again, however, the moment the ball landed in the Gunners’ court, they suddenly began to lose momentum, drawing with Liverpool, Stoke City and Southampton and losing to Chelsea to trickle back down to third place. The north Londoners claimed 13 wins during their first 20 fixtures of the season but since spending a few weeks in pole position, they’ve won just three in ten, lost three and drawn four.
The bug has even affected Tottenham Hotspur. Although they’ve rarely been considered out-and-out favourites, Spurs’ 2-1 win over City in February saw their title credentials reach an all-time high. But that emphatic away win at the Etihad was followed by an unconvincing victory over Swansea City, their worst performance of the season in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham and a disappointing draw with a ten-man Arsenal side. Once again, like Arsenal and City, Spurs shriveled at the precise moment fate seemed to be finally in their hands.
And thus, the way Leicester City are finishing the season is, in my opinion, the most incredible aspect of their miraculous title bid. The notion of the bubble inevitably bursting has almost become a running joke as the Foxes continue overcome every hurdle deemed insurmountable and they’re now finishing the campaign looking more convincing in the role of favourites than any of their rivals have this year.
Indeed, Claudio Ranieri has now lead his boys to four one-nil wins from their last five fixtures and the pragmatism, nerve and confidence required to achieve those results at this point in the season is nothing short of remarkable.
There have been hairy moments – the second half against Newcastle United proved tricky and Riyad Mahrez choked a chance at Watford last weekend that could’ve cost them dearly – but the Foxes have never panicked or allowed themselves to get overexcited during their series of attritional wins. They’ve simply got the job done; one game at a time, one goal at a time.
Of course, Leicester aren’t under the same kind of pressure to perform as the aforementioned clubs, but we’re talking about a squad that cost just £21million to assemble, containing the solitary previous Premier League title winner in Robert Huth, seeing out a title bid with the assured, measured and secured approach you’d expect of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United or the Chelsea of Jose Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge as if they’ve been doing it for the last ten years.
The ability to eke out the right results even when not dominating games is often argued as the ultimate test of genuine champions and right now, Leicester City are passing it with flying colours. Whilst all of their contemporaries have imploded under the pressure of being title favourites this season, the tag has only seen the Foxes grow stronger and stronger.
It’s the news we had all anticipated, but it seems that Louis van Gaal has finally been shown the exit door by the chiefs at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s FA Cup triumph over Crystal Palace obviously did little in settling the board’s choppy feelings towards the Dutchman and with the former Barcelona man finally on the brink (or having fallen over it, depending on what reports you believe), it seems that there will be change in Manchester very soon.
But one man that has shied away from the limelight in this most chaotic of seasons is Ryan Giggs, whose own future looks uncertain. The former Welsh wing-wizard is the only man left at the club from the Old ‘Class of 92’, and his presence at Old Trafford has never been more important than now.
Whether you like it or not, everything ManUnited stand for in modern times was built from the foundations laid by Sir Alex Ferguson. The legendary Scot knew everything about the club and the players knew what was expected. In more recent years, it seems that both David Moyes and LVG were missing something that Fergie just had. And with Giggs the only man left in the United coaching department that worked with him, it’s vital that he remains part of the set-up.
The Fergie philosophy just worked, and whomever you support around the world, you have to agree. ‘Fergie’ built a team that delivered year-after-year and the years they didn’t, it was because they were pipped at the post. There was that certain level of quality needed, and also fierce demands in terms of professionalism. Whether you were the reserve team, captain or first-team bench-warmer, you knew where you stood and how to behave, and if you did play up ‘Fergie ‘would come down on you like a ton of bricks – ask David Beckham.
Giggs understands this from a playing point of view, but now also from a managing point of view, too. That’s why his importance in this new United set-up will be oh so crucial. Whether United appoint Jose Mourinho or not is yet to be seen, but Giggs is the man that understands how to make things work at Old Trafford.
And if United do appoint Mourinho, will he work with Giggs? Perhaps not, but surely there is another high-end role available for such a United through-and-through man. And that’s not to say that’s the only reason he should be there. He’s proved to be a successful assistant manager during Van Gaal’s United career, and he deserves a shot to prove himself again.
But with the world calling for Mourinho’s name to be the one at the top of the Old Trafford boardroom, you do doubt whether we’ll see ‘Giggsy’ in the dugout at Manchester United next season.
Their loss will be someone else’s gain, however, whether he moves on completely or drops down to academy level. You learn from the best after all.
Manchester United got their man and it won’t be long until we see ‘The Special One’ is back in the dugout in the Premier League.
But after an extremely turbulent second spell at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho will hope his time at Man United will be a little more settled. However, controversy always seems to follow the Portuguese maestro around.
On the pitch, there is plenty to do if the Red Devils want to reach the dizzy heights seen in the Sir Alex Ferguson era, and there are certain individuals in the squad have a lot of work to do before the season begins if they want to impress their new gaffer.
So whom are these players in question? Here’s FIVE individuals that need to step up in order to get the Jose’s recognition…
Luke Shaw
It’s a big season on the horizon for young Luke Shaw, who was cruelly ruled out of the majority of the 2015/16 campaign with a broken leg.
He’ll be back to full fitness in the near future, but he’s got a lot of work to do to break back into the Manchester United side. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson did extremely well when he came into the squad, yet it’s expected that when Shaw comes back to full fitness, he will slot straight back into the side. However, he will have to work hard to keep his spot.
Marcos Rojo
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2016/17 will be, arguably, the biggest season of Rojo’s career.
His time at Man United has been plagued by individual errors and misdemeanours and he will have to sort this out ahead of the new season. He’s struggled to hold down a permanent first-team berth, too, and some critics still question what position he plays best in.
Marcus Rashford
Louis van Gaal gave Marcus Rashford the chance to shine as his tenure at the club came to an end, and it’s still yet to be seen whether the young prodigy will feature as heavily under Mourinho. But regardless, the youngster will want to impress his new manager and, to be honest, he really doesn’t need to change what he’s been doing. Good application, clinical finishing and blistering pace is what we’ve seen of Rashford, and it’ll be more of the same next season.
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Adnan Januzaj
Mourinho once described Adnan Januzaj as a player who “has everything”, so does this imply the outcasted Belgian may be given a fresh opportunity under the former Chelsea manager? Januzaj played as a wing-back, central midfielder and a centre-forward under LVG and the challenge for Mourinho is to find the youngster somewhere to settle. It really is crunch time for Adnan.
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Morgan Schneiderlin
Signed for a fee in excess of £25m, Morgan Scheiderlin hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in his debut season at Old Trafford. He’s looked a little shaky in parts and he’s come under fire from some sections of the United crowd on a number of occasions already.
If he’s to step up and impress Mourinho, he really needs to work hard and prove himself to the coaches. But with Mourinho reportedly keen to bring Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford with him, Scheniderlin could be quickly ousted from the squad.
Stoke City are one of the Premier League’s more interesting, unpredictable teams these days. Long gone are the days of dreary 1-1 draws and Rory Delap spectaculars, they are a club showing ambition, a team with a taste for the big time and they have the players to really compete at the top of the Premier League.
Mark Hughes has shown an understanding of what the owners want, or so it seems. A change from the direct, win-at-all-costs football of Tony Pulis has seen the side become a flaky, yet enjoyable, collection of footballers. No footballer epitomises this more than Marko Arnautovic.
The one consistent issue for the Potters of late has been their defence. Although Wollscheid has been moved on, it was not he who caused the greatest problems, but rather the skipper, Ryan Shawcross.
A club legend, Shawcross is fair way off receiving much blame from Stoke fans. But that shouldn’t stop Mark Hughes seeing the obvious and acting accordingly in January…
Injury woe
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Shawcross’ injury absences have become lengthier and more frequent, which must be of concern to Mark Hughes and the rest of the Stoke hierarchy. After each return from injury, particularly his back, has taken longer for the centre-half to return to something like his old self.
Defences thrive with consistent selection, regular partnerships build understanding and that is where you see the most solid units. Missing the odd match is not much of an issue, but too often Shawcross has been unavailable for prolonged periods. His recovery time seems to be slowing from each knock and it is not healthy for the team to build around a player who cannot be relied upon.
Captain or not, Shawcross’ injuries either need to vanish or Hughes needs to muster some better solutions in his absence.
Limitations increasing
Although he has never exactly been Franz Beckenbauer, Shawcross did have more to his game that many would have been willing to give him credit for. Unfortunately for Hughes, he seems to be losing certain facets of his game, even by this stage of his career.
These may be a simple result of injury troubles, or even different requirements from Hughes, but the Potters’ captain is looking more isolated when asked to play up the pitch. A distinct lack of protection from Stoke’s midfield has not helped, and too often Stoke’s centre-backs have been swamped by third-man runners from midfield.
Having allowed Wollscheid to leave, Stoke look short of options in central defence. Replacing Shawcross may not be the first port of call, but they need a player capable of filling the void, without having to call on Marc Muniesa or Geoff Cameron – who are often used in other positions.
Adaptation issues
Stoke’s centre-backs are no longer told to lump it forward at any given opportunity. Their approach to the game has changed, it is about keeping possession and looking for one of their gifted midfielders.
Shawcross is no mug in possession, but this system is not exactly bringing out the best in him. Martins Indi is unlikely to be playing any Pique-esque passes either, leaving Marc Muniesa as the lone ball-playing centre-back. Perhaps Stoke would benefit from the former Barcelona man taking Glenn Whelan’s role at six and dictating play from there.
According to Don Balon Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is wanted by both Chelsea and Arsenal in the near future.
The Spanish striker has spent time away from Los Blancos in recent years at Juventus, whom he was re-signed from over the summer. Despite moving back to the Bernabeu recently, he has found himself on the bench more often than not this season behind Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio.
Where would he go?
So where would he be best suited, Arsenal or Chelsea? Let’s take a look at how either could work.
At Arsenal, he’d almost definitely start. He’s a Spanish international and has bags of top level experience despite having years left in him, and that would make him a real hit at the Emirates Stadium. He’s better than Olivier Giroud and far superior to Lucas Perez, while his addition would also mean the Gunners would not have to rely on Alexis Sanchez to score the goals as a makeshift forward.
How about at Chelsea? Well, he may find starting a little more difficult, with the Blues having Diego Costa up top. Despite Chelsea’s recent struggles Costa has still looked decent this season and clearly has the ability to take anyone on on his day. Could Morata oust him? It would certainly take some doing, but if Antonio Conte switches the team’s tactics to 3-5-2, a frontline of the two Spaniards would be a frightening prospect for their opposition.
Arsenal or Chelsea, then? Well, whilst a front two of Morata and Costa at Stamford Bridge would make for a really potent partnership, there are no guarantees it would actually occur depending on Conte’s tactical preference. It seems, then, that Arsenal would be perfect for him. There’s a ready-made space for a top drawer striker in north London and he’d certainly get the crowd’s backing whilst also giving their title challenge a big boost.
The backlash to Claudio Bravo was inevitable. Replacing an admired Englishman like Joe Hart was a thankless task and Bravo made it yet harder for himself by fitting the age-old stereotype that La Liga goalkeepers cannot deal with the ‘English crossing’; whatever that means.This stereotype is not only incorrectÂbut lazy. The idea that English goalkeepers are brilliant at dealing with the aerial ball is false, too. Bravo’s blunder for the goal he conceded may have sent him for a little extra practise this week, yet there is still an underlying arrogance that sees people dictate the view that former La Liga stoppers cannot deal with the ‘physicality’ of the English game. It is presented almost as if crosses aren’t made in other leagues.Bravo, rather than being a weakness, was a strength for Manchester City on Saturday. His command of possession was far above what Joe Hart has ever demonstrated, while the errors from his game will quickly subside as he settles into his new surroundings and begins to understand his team-mates. The Chilean’s ability on the ball was overlooked after the game, despite him completing 44 passes.Registering 55 touches across the whole game, the goalkeeper’s role in a Pep Guardiola team is far more than simply protecting the net. Wearing the gloves, to Guardiola, does not mean the goalkeeper should relinquish any responsibilities in possession.
Manuel Neuer invented a new role as an extreme sweeper keeper and Guardiola expects Bravo to fulfil exactly the same role. Mobility is a must, with the ‘keeper having to cover ground behind the defence. Bravo will be called to intercept balls behind City’s centre-backs throughout this season and that alone has far more influence on the way the team can play than any single save.
It will allow the defence to push higher, in the same way that his on-ball skills enable the rest of the team to spread. Effectively, Bravo plays as the deepest of deep-lying playmakers.
The former Barca man will be a pivotal player for Manchester City this season, even if he does cost his team the odd goal. However, the errors that crept into Bravo’s performance on Saturday will be nothing more than freak incidents throughout this season. Settling in periods are inevitable, particularly when thrown into the cauldron of the Manchester derby.
The fact that Guardiola opted to start Bravo in the derby shows not only his faith in the ‘keeper, but how much he values a player of that mould in his system. Guardiola is reinventing the goalkeeping position and Claudio Bravo might be looked upon as the first to change the British approach to the number one jersey.
Following the favourable results in midweek, there’s no doubt that a Celtic win at Aberdeen will have a massive bearing on the title ‘race’.
It’s not arrogant or blinkered to say that the Hoops will clinch their sixth successive title in the spring, Derek McInnes holds that view, but keeping command of the SPFL is vital.
A win will put Celtic ten points clear of Aberdeen but as recently as Tuesday the gap could have been a single point if the Dons had won at Hamilton.
Rodgers has never won a title before but from painful memory with Liverpool in 2013/14 he knows the fine margins that can tilt the balance one way or another.
Celtic’s schedule before the turn of the year is relentless with the three-week January break essential after an eight-game programme through December.
If Aberdeen can win today, the gap will be cut to a doable four points. Even with a game in hand McInnes and his players can take encouragement from that knowing that Celtic have three more Champions League nights to negotiate before the festive fixtures kick in.
After giving a number of squad players an outing at Ross County on Wednesday night, the big guns will be back in place at Pittodrie even though Borussia Monchengladbach is only three days away.
There are a few big decisions for Rodgers to make with Patrick Roberts making a strong claim for a starting role…
GK – CRAIG GORDON
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Barring one kamikaze run out of his goalmouth on Wednesday, the former Hearts man looks close to returning to his best.
Four domestic clean sheets isn’t to be sniffed at, especially after the goal-a-game leaks at the start of the season.
This type of match should see him busier than usual but in terms of having his eye in, he demonstrated against Ross County that he is back in form.
RB – CRISTIAN GAMBOA
After pitching him in for a debut in the Nou Camp, Brendan Rodgers clearly has full confidence in his Deadline Day signing.
With a question marks over the fitness of Mikael Lustig, the Swede could be rested for this one to ensure his place against Gladbach on Tuesday.
Michael Gardyne provided a tough test on Wednesday night, and 90 minutes against the second best team in the country will do Gamboa the world of good.
CB – ERIK SVIATCHENKO
The Dane has emerged in recent weeks as the first choice defender after recovering from injury.
Game by game he is looking more comfortable and adaptable, and importantly he has the leadership qualities that managers expect from central defenders.
He knows all about the dangers that Aberdeen pose after an early appearance at Pittodrie last season, and he’ll enjoy the pressure and the challenge of dealing with the Dons’ attackers.
CB – JOZO SIMUNOVIC
It feels like his Celtic career finally got started last Sunday at Hampden Park when he was given the vote ahead of Kolo Toure.
The Croat never put a foot wrong, blocked a net-bound Jason Holt effort and sent through the long raking ball that Leigh Griffiths provided the winning goal from.
Rodgers spoke highly of Jozo after the match suggesting that the former Dinamo Zagreb man may just have edged ahead of Toure in his thoughts.
LB – KIERAN TIERNEY
Probably one of the easiest decisions for Rodgers to make – telling him that he was being rested at Ross County wouldn’t have been easy.
Tierney will know exactly what to expect from this match, it’ll be tough, it’ll be physical, a battle and he’ll revel in those circumstances.
Once the battles are won, the football can take over with KT likely to be bombing down the left wing at every opportunity.
CM – SCOTT BROWN
The skipper will come in for plenty of ‘treatment’ from the home fans but the Fifer loves his role as pantomime villain.
Even during his leaner periods playing at Pittodrie has often brought out the best in Brown, so with his exceptional form so far this season he’ll be determined to show the home fans how much it means to him to be captaining a team towards their sixth title.
A goal wouldn’t be a surprise.
CM – STUART ARMSTRONG
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The former Dundee United man seems to have done enough this week to edge his way past Nir Bitton into a starting place.
Like Simonovic, Armstrong has been receiving plenty of public praise from his manager suggesting that he is ready for a run in the team.
Having fought his way in from the outside Armstrong will be determined to live up to the praise that his manager has heaped on him.
RM – JAMES FORREST
Forrest will have noted the performance of Patrick Roberts in midweek, but he knows that he has the total trust of his own manager.
Forrest had a great second half against Rangers at Hampden Park and will be looking for a repeat against far tougher defenders at Pittodrie.
Six months ago it looked like he might be moving out to a side like Aberdeen, but the change of manager at Celtic couldn’t have worked out better for all concerned.
CAM – TOM ROGIC
After a midweek break, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a big performance from the attacking midfielder.
He came close to scoring a couple of times at Hampden Park but never enjoyed the break of the ball around goal.
Competition for places provides great motivation, and having forced his way into the team Rogic knows that he has to produce regularly or find himself out of favour.
LM – SCOTT SINCLAIR
After his bad luck around goal at Hampden Park he demonstrated that his eye for goal was as alert as ever by notching away to Ross County.
In midweek Rodgers commented on his fitness work, not normally a feature in wide players.
Sinclair has certainly hit the ground running, and the net, and will quickly realise the importance of this fixture from the moment he walks out the tunnel to be greeted by the away support.
ST – MOUSSA DEMBELE
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What more can be said about the man of the moment? Would it be a surprise to find out that Real Madrid and Barcelona are sending scouts to watch the Celtic striker at Pittodrie?
Tuesday’s match in Monchengladbach is a more likely scouting mission but after goals at Hampden and Victoria Park, he’ll be keen to maintain his scoring run against Aberdeen.
The focus and attention will be on Dembele all afternoon, yet it’ll take something special from the home defence to keep him at bay.
A week after Santa leaves his gifts, some serious action kicks off in the football world when the transfer window opens.
Brendan Rodgers will be keen to add to his squad, but in the background there are a number of ‘legacy’ issues still to be dealt with.
Given a blank canvas, the Bhoys boss would probably remove a dozen players from the payroll but there will be no Joey Barton style pay-offs coming out of the club’s bank account.
Some gentle persuading will be required but with a couple of players out of contract at the end of the season moving on in January will be a little easier to take than a wage cut in August.
Players hold all the cards, but if you know that your days are numbered, accepting a contract elsewhere may appeal more than spending another couple of months on the periphery before searching for a new deal next summer having not kicked a ball all season.
There won’t be any big fees coming in from the January sales but if some savings can be made on the wage bill and the first-team squad can be trimmed down everyone will benefit.
EFE AMBROSE
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Ambrose has played in one Development League match since turning down a couple of offers to leave in August.
Any player is perfectly within their rights to stay put, contracts are two-way agreements, but equally a club isn’t duty bound to provide a player with games.
At the age of 28 Ambrose is capable of picking up another couple of contracts on decent terms but if he sees out his Celtic deal he might find interest dropping when his contract expires in the summer.
LOGAN BAILLY
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The only thing worse than being a second choice keeper is being third choice!
A pre-season injury denied him the chance to put pressure on Craig Gordon, and now that he has recovered he’s also got Dorus de Vries in his path to a first-team place.
With his background, there is likely to be a Dutch or Belgian side looking for a ‘keeper in January to whom he’ll appeal, and getting back in action after 18 months as an understudy must be more attractive than being third choice with little chance of getting any games.
KRIS COMMONS
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The former talisman is still without an appearance at any level this season and has been told that the first-team door is closed.
With his family very settled in Glasgow he has a big decision to make – does he up sticks for the 46-game Championship season in England or see his wages crash and take his pick from any club in Scotland. What would Hibs, Motherwell or Kilmarnock do to get Commons in their team?
No doubt these scenarios will have been fully discussed.
GARY MACKAY-STEVEN
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Rodgers denied that GMS was on his way on loan to Ross County, but the omens don’t look bright for his Celtic career relaunching anytime soon.
At 26-years-old there should still be plenty of ambitions for the former Dundee United man to achieve, with a move to the English Championship most likely.
Having paid a token fee to Dundee United in February 2015 for his signing Celtic won’t be looking for much in the way of a transfer fee.
NADIR CIFTCI
He has the distinction of scoring the first goal of the Rodgers era, in pre-season against Celje of Slovenia, and also captained the team in a friendly against Inter Milan.
After that, it’s all gone a bit quiet for the striker who is in his second year as a Celtic player.
Last season he moved on loan to Kayserispor of Turkey, and a similar type of deal may occur if there are no permanent offers around.