Ange says Nisbet ‘is in the basket of uncertainty’
Ange Postecoglou last night welcomed Josip Juranovic to Celtic – and teased that Kevin Nisbet could soon be joining him.
Hibs’ highly-rated Scotland striker has been linked in a player-plus cash switch to Celtic that would see Leigh Griffiths return to Easter Road.
Yet while delighted to talk up the hopedfor impact Juranovic – a £2.5 million signing from Legia Warsaw – will make, the Hoops boss was cute on the subject of Nisbet.
“That is in the basket of uncertainty that I don’t really dip my hand in,” said Postecoglou.
“I am happy to talk about the ones we have done, I am absolutely delighted to get Josip in.
“He is one we have been working in for a while. I think he is exactly the kind of player and person we want in our dressing-room and I am sure he will help us.
“We will keep chipping away and hopefully get the ones we have been working on for a while now.”
Juranovic, who becomes Celtic’s eighth new signing of the window, following Osaze Urhoghide, Liam Shaw, Liel Abada, Joe Hart, James Mccarthy, Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi, revealed club cult hero Artur Boruc had helped sell him on the move.
“Considering how good and happy I felt at Legia, it was not an easy decision to sign for Celtic. But on the other hand, it is easy to look at the sports aspect of it,” said Juranovic.
“Celtic are a great club, it’s a step forward for me. So from this point of view, I had no doubts.
“I spoke to Artur Boruc after the last game. I know he’s a legend in Celtic. I will try to get at least close to what he achieved there.”
As well as praising David Turnbull, who hit the first hat-trick of his career in the 6-0 win over St Mirren, Postecoglou also highlighted the display of Liel Abada, one of his main summer signings.
“Abada’s only 19,” he said. “He’s got such a positive outlook and intent during games and, of course, David was outstanding.”
With St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin absent following a positive Covid-19 test, it was left to his assistant Lee Sharp to take the Paisley side and he left Celtic Park harbouring a sense of injustice.
“It’s a difficult place to come with 11 men on the park. Going down to 10 so early on obviously made it a lot tougher.
“Anygameplanwehad went out the window at that point.
“On the decision, Alan should possibly stay on his feet. He doesn’t have to go to ground.
“But I’ve seen tackles like that given as yellow cards.”