Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Celtic make historic signing

The worst thing you can do to a young footballer is make outrageous claims as to their potential or compare them to all-time greats. For that reason, apologies are extended to Scott Brown, who has agreed a five-year deal with Celtic at a reported fee of £4.4 million.

Anyone who makes stupid predictions (also see video two below) is putting himself in the firing line but let The Celts are Here stick its neck on the line and say that Celtic have signed the major emerging midfield talent in British football and one who, with hard work, discipline and effective coaching will be drawing comparisons to Roy Keane in a very short time.

The move is a testament to the vision of Gordon Strachan, the financial strength of the board and the ambition of the player himself in choosing a lower financial package than offered elsewhere for the chance to play in a team that is still in the ascendancy and one with real hopes of making an impact in European competition.

It is no secret that, despite what is on paper a near embarrassment of riches in the midfield, Strachan was faced with three positions in that area in which no player has made himself indispensable. That is the first target for Skoosh and one that he is more than capable of achieving.

Players like Brown are few and far between - box-to-box specialists, full of energy, making vital tackles and crucially having enough of an understanding of the game around them to make a vital forward pass within a split second of winning the ball. Anyone who has watched Brown's game over the years will have seen a player who has the sharp instincts and determination to match his talent. Don't be surprised if this proves to be one of the club's most significant signings for years.

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