STRIKER DOESN’T DO A NICHOLAS
and also marked his appearances for the France Under-21 side with goals against England.
The Parkhead star is now being tipped for senior honours ahead of next year’s World Cup and Bonner is adamant it would be outstanding for Celtic if his progression and development could be continued in Glasgow.
Nicholas moved early to go to Highbury and join the Gunners, which Bonner – who spent the best part of 20 years between the sticks for Celtic – always looks back on with dismay as he wondered if the wonderkid could have helped Billy McNeill’s men make a real mark in Europe.
He said: “It was really unfortunate that Charlie didn’t stay with us for longer and I hope Dembele sticks around.
“If the team’s going to keep progressing, Dembele will be very important to the building of that. I’ve always said Charlie left too soon.
“Of course, from his point of view, Arsenal came calling for better money and it was tough to knock it back.
“Charlie proved he could play down there. He did brilliantly. He’s still doing his bit on the TV down south because of his time at Arsenal, so no-one can say that it was the wrong move.
“For me, though, I just wished he’d stayed from our perspective.
“We felt we were a good team then, but we could have done something in Europe as well if he had stayed for a couple more years.
“It’s the same now for Celtic because the development in the Champions League is going to be very interesting for Brendan and his team. It’s clear the squad THE Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs called for the SFA to launch an independent review into Rangers’ use of EBTs.
The fans’ group also asked for a probe into the Ibrox club being granted a European licence under Craig Whyte’s era.
A statement said: “For our game to move on we need transparency.” is going to be strengthened and the arrival of Olivier Ntcham looks exciting because he’s got a good pedigree behind him having played in Serie A and being a good age. “The squad learned a lot last season through the Champions League group stages. “As a unit, they got to grips with it and started to compete reasonably well by the end, so Brendan and the supporters will be looking for a progression, even though it’s really tough. “Having the guys in place benefitting from last season’s experiences will be crucial and Dembele is one of those. “Whereas Charlie left at 21, it would be great for Celtic if Dembele stayed for a couple more years.”