Former Celtic star very interested in Parkhead return

The former Celtic star sounds like he would jump at the opportunity to return to Parkhead in the summer transfer window.

Celtic might not have the financial strength of the Premier League sides but sheer size of the club and the passion of the supporters means that it still remains an attractive proposition for players around the globe. Especially to those have had a taste of what a night under the Parkhead lights feels like.

And it looks like former Celtic goalkeeper David Marshall is open to a return to Glasgow this summer. 35-year-old Marshall currently plies his trade at Wigan Athletic, though he is widely expected to exit the DW Stadium following their relegation from the English Championship due to financial irregularities.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, he said:

"“Of course it would. I think it would interest any player.“But to a Celtic fan growing up, and someone who played there as a youngster coming through, it would be a massive thing for me.“I’ll just need to see how it all pans out.“I haven’t heard anything from Celtic, but I’ll always have that affinity with them and it would be great if it happens.”"

Scotland stopper Marshall is unquestionably a recognizable face around Parkhead, having spent five years in the first team between 2002 to 2007. Hoops boss Neil Lennon has already made one acquisition in the goalkeeper department this transfer window, signing Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens for around £4.5 million.

Scott Bain started the Bhoys’ 5-1 demolition of Hamilton Academical on Sunday, however with Ross Doohan completing a loan switch to Ross County recently; there is plausibility that Celtic will look to expand their options between the sticks to provide a high-level standard of positional competition.

Former Cardiff stalwart Marshall would be relatively inexpensive for the Celts, with the Lactics looking to swiftly fire-sale players to stave off administration. Would his experience be an asset at Celtic Park?

Statistically, in 2019/20 Marshall respectably obtained 15 clean sheets from 39 English Championship fixtures he featured in. Standing at 6 ft 3 and able to command his back-line well, the Scot has shown consistency throughout his career. Internationally, Marshall is widely recognised as Tartan Army boss Steve Clarke’s number one goalkeeper.

At 35 years of age, the Glaswegian has at least a couple more years in the tank at a reasonable standard of club. Celtic could look to David Marshall to provide cover for Vasilis Barkas in the event of injury, with his availability and professionalism, this could be a welcome development for manager Neil Lennon looking ahead to the new campaign.