John Hartson claims Celtic need to copy Rangers in one area

Former Celtic and Wales footballer John Hartson claims that Celtic need to copy one aspect that Rangers have done this season.

Celtic have signed two players in January, and could be looking to add more. The Hoops have signed Polish striker Patryk Klimala, who will look to contribute right away. The second signing was Ivorian midfielder Ismaila Soro who came over from Bnei Yehuda.

Despite these signings, former Celtic and Welsh player John Hartson believes the Hoops need to go one step further, and essentially copy Rangers’ path of action during this current transfer window.  Hartson wants the Hoops to bring in a centre-field defender and an attacking midfielder, much like Joe Aribo from Rangers.

There have been preliminary talks of a possible union with Brazilian-defender Fabricio Bruno, which would help solve some concern in the backline.

Speaking with BBC Sportsound, and transcribed by HITC, John Hartson elaborates on what the Hoops should do going forward:

"“I think a centre-half [is needed this month].“I think Jullien is a man. He has done well ever since he has come in. But on that day against [Rangers] a quality centre-forward they [both CB’s] struggled. That could be slightly alarming for Neil.“And, of course, I would like to see a midfield player. A good midfield player who could get box-to-box. Like Rangers have in Aribo. I know we’ve got McGregor, Rogic and Christie. We’ve got some excellent players, but I don’t think you can have enough.“I would like to see, and I’m sure the Celtic fans will agree, another couple coming in. A midfielder and a centre-half.”"

John Hartson is not incorrect in the fact that both of the areas are indeed areas of need for the club. Kristoffer Ajer started the season off to a blistering pace, but has looked absolutely pedestrian heading into the winter break. Additional competition will only increase the production from current defenders.

In a similar boat to Kristoffer Ajer is Ryan Christie and James Forrest. Both midfielders made a strong case for some of the best players in Scotland in the early goings. As of late, both have fallen out of form, especially James Forrest who has been almost non-existent in the most recent weeks.