In modern football, where every game is available everywhere, teams from leagues like the Premier League and La Liga have managed to establish themselves as global giants. But amidst all this, it is easy to forget how big of a club Celtic are globally, despite playing in the Scottish Premiership.
There are a number of players who grew up supporting the Hoops and dream of playing for the club. This was the case with Shane Duffy, who joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer with hopes of becoming a 10IAR hero. Sadly, things have not gone his way since then.
Another such player with dreams of donning the green-and-white jersey is Johnny Russell. The 30-year-old started his career at Dundee United and would end up going to Derby County from there, even though Celtic had apparently made bids as well.
Unfortunately, the Championship side offered more and as a result, it was their bid that was accepted although it is clear that Russell would have loved to move to Parkhead. Now playing in the MLS with Sporting Kansas City, he still has not given up on fulfilling his dream one day. While speaking with Herald Scotland (print edition, 19/02, page 4) and as cited by 67 Hail Hail, he said:
"“I always said the dream was to play for Celtic but it’s never happened.“That’s football. The season I went to Derby was there were a few bids made but Derby offered more and Celtic’s bids were never accepted. If they had been matched I would’ve gone to Celtic, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.“Of course [it remains on the bucket-list], nobody is going to turn down the opportunity to play for their heroes. It was always something I’d never give up hope on. You never know.”"
More from Celtic FC News
- Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
- Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
- Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
- BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
- Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters
Can Russell still play for Celtic?
Russell has had a very decent career till now. He represented the Scottish national team on 14 occasions and made 205 appearances for Derby County before moving to Sporting Kansas City, where he has scored 27 goals and provided 23 assists in just 96 appearances.
And with Celtic in need of a right winger, could a move be on the cards after all?
At 30 years of age, the ship has probably sailed to be very honest. Although with his contract running out at the end of 2021, it would not be shocking if the Hoops did end up making a move. After all, the board do love a good free signing. And Russell could be a very solid right-winger for the club despite his age.