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For those in the Celtic reserve side, their chances of securing regular first-team action seems difficult to envisage.

That was certainly the case under a stubborn Neil Lennon. Very rarely did the northern Irishman change his methods and it eventually led to his downfall.

An underlying problem at Parkhead has been the lack of opportunities for their young players. Cameron Harper has headed back to America as a result, while the likes of Armstrong Oko-Flex and Karamoko Dembele look set to depart when their contracts expire in the summer.

With that in mind, they have to start handing more minutes out. Adam Montgomery has been on the bench since John Kennedy was put in interim charge but someone who must join him is Luca Connell.

The 19-year-old joined in 2019 from Bolton Wanderers but has, rather bizarrely, never been given a chance in the senior side.

The teenager arrived with 12 appearances for Bolton in the EFL to his name, something which makes his lack of football in Glasgow even stranger.

When he put pen to paper two years ago, he surely wasn’t expecting to sit in the reserves. With the Bhoys signing Liam Shaw in a few months time, another with a similar level of experience under his belt as Connell, he will be hoping his career doesn’t follow in a similar path.

The Hoops have little to play for between now and the end of the season so throwing in players like Connell wouldn’t be a bad idea. By giving him minutes, it could help Kennedy and co. prepare for Scott Brown’s potential exit.

The veteran is out of contract in the summer and thus, there will be a vacancy in the middle of the park to fill. Ismaila Soro will be at the front of the queue but following behind should be Connell.

He is strong in the tackle and assured with his passing, earning numerous positive reviews in his short career to date.

Connell was given a chance to train with Ireland a few years ago and earned the following appraisal from Mick McCarthy, someone linked with the Celtic manager’s seat: “He’s a breath of fresh air around the place,” he began.

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“He’s left-footed and he can certainly find a pass. He hits it with a bit of authority and lets people have the ball. He doesn’t mind putting his foot in either so he’s fitted in pretty well,” McCarthy concluded.

That final passage is what should excite Celtic supporters. As Brown and Soro have shown, you can’t play in this Hoops midfield without having a bit of bite about you. Despite his tender age, Connell possesses plenty of that.

With the Hoops skipper potentially on his way out, it is surely now or never in terms of the teenager’s Celtic career. Kennedy needs to give him a chance.

AND in other news, 109 dribbles: Celtic could seal huge Ryan Christie upgrade by signing 18-goal wizard…

When Leeds were promoted from the Championship last term, all eyes were on Patrick Bamford.

The former Middlesbrough striker hasn’t had the easiest of rides in Leeds colours and was slated relentlessly by supporters at times last term.

Though, once all was said and done, he was the club’s top scorer as they sealed their passage back to the top-flight.

He had an awful conversion rate, finding the net just 16 times from an expected goals tally of 34.77. Bamford was being given plenty of chances to score but time and time again, he’d miss the target.

Based on that, you’d think he would have struggled this season. However, that has been far from the case. In fact, he’s lit up the Premier League with brilliant dynamic performances.

Bamford is now in the conversation to be picked for England and is the sixth top scorer in the division, amassing 12 strikes. His conversion rate of 18% still leaves plenty to be desired but he has a better shot accuracy than Harry Kane – that’s certainly no mean feat.

But what if we were to suggest he could get even better? Well, that would certainly be the case if the club sign Douglas Costa from Juventus.

The winger is currently on loan at Bayern Munich in Germany but recent reports claim that Marcelo Bielsa has identified him as a summer target. With Raphinha being linked to Liverpool, this piece of news is timely.

The 31-cap Brazilian might now be getting on a bit at the age of 30, but he’s still an incredibly dangerous player, possessing qualities that have the potential to usurp those of Raphinha’s.

Throughout his career, Costa has been a wizard in possession of the ball. When he cuts inside there are very few that can stop him, something testified by his attacking numbers.

The attacker has endured a few seasons of misfortune, generally playing more games as a substitute. Though, in his last term where he started regularly – 2017/18 – he was on fire. Costa picked up four goals but registered 12 assists in the process.

That type of creative record is only matched by Pablo Hernandez in the last few years at Leeds. It’s hardly a surprise that Italian newspaper Sport Mediaset (via Tribuna) once hailed Costa the ‘lord of assists.’

With that in mind, Bamford would surely benefit from further goalscoring opportunities. Add the Brazilian’s ability to beat players and drag defenders towards him and it would open up the space for Leeds’ current number 9 to move into and prosper.

You only need to look at the way Raphinha lures defenders in to get a sense for what Costa and Bamford could achieve together at Elland Road.

For context, the Leeds target has managed 2.5 dribbles per game throughout his club career. Raphinha, on the other hand, is considerably down on 1.3 take-ons.

It’s evident why Costa could improve Bamford.

AND in other news, Leeds must revisit move for “very special” 7-goal artist, he’s everything Orta needs…

Queens Park Rangers will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat in six matches when they welcome Barnsley to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this evening.

Hoops boss Mark Warburton rung the changes for their trip to Birmingham City and ultimately, it cost them as they were beaten 2-1 on their travels.

Though, the west London side have the chance to make it four straight home wins for the first time since September 2017 with three points tonight.

The Tykes are flying high in eighth place and could do with a result to bolster their surprise playoff chances, so what sort of QPR side could we see?

Here’s our predicted XI…

There could be as many as four changes from the weekend.

After being rested for the trip to the Midlands, West London Sport are expecting Ilias Chair and Lee Wallace to come straight back into the lineup – the former had to settle for a place on the bench, while the latter did not even travel.

It means Chris Willock and 23-year-old Niko Hamalainen are axed.

Aside from the alteration at left wing-back, the rest of the defence remains the same with the trio of Yohann Barbet, Geoff Cameron and Rob Dickie continuing in front of Seny Dieng, with Todd Kane remaining on the other flank.

In midfield, we’re expecting Dom Ball to keep his place, though he could be joined by West Brom loanee Sam Field for what would be his first start since joining in January, this move would see Fulham man Stefan Johansen earn a rest.

The fourth and final change is likely to be upfront with Lyndon Dykes coming back in for Macauley Bonne, both have struggled for goals lately, but it is the Scotsman who has often been given the nod under Warburton.

Dykes has scored five goals in 26 starts, via Transfermarkt, but has not found the net since a defeat to Brentford at the end of November, while the 25-year-old former Charlton talisman has bagged three times, though has only started eight matches.

Charlie Austin should continue his role upfront.

AND in other news, This player badly let QPR down against Preston…

In the words of UFC octagon announcer Bruce Buffer, “IT’S TIME!!!”

The January transfer window has finally opened its doors, meaning Manchester United may be tempted to dip into the market to strengthen their squad before the end of the season.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish publication AS (via Sports Witness), Real Madrid star Isco is on the Red Devils’ radar and the La Liga giants are open to offloading the attacking midfielder.

Ever since he first arrived at Madrid from Malaga back in 2013, Isco, 28, has provided 51 goals and 55 assists in 318 appearances across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

However, it seems his time at the Bernabeu is finally coming to an end as it appears he is deemed surplus to requirements after falling down the pecking order under Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, having made just three starts thus far this season.

Mata 2.0?

Bruno Fernandes has cemented his place on the world stage as he is unequivocally the biggest creative asset at the club right now – since his arrival at Old Trafford this time last year, the former Sporting Lisbon playmaker has scored 26 goals and supplied 17 assists in 45 appearances, which is a pretty remarkable record.

But the same can’t be said for Daniel James, Juan Mata or indeed Donny van de Beek, who has arguably struggled to hit the ground running after Ed Woodward signed the 23-year-old from Ajax for £35m on a five-year deal last summer.

Mata has been a loyal servant of the club and has produced some memorable moments over the years since joining the club six years ago, including his famous bicycle kick away at Anfield.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does have several options to provide cover and competition for the advanced player position – namely Fernandes, Mata and Van de Beek – there isn’t a lot of depth in this area.

In fact, we’d even go so far as to say that the former Spanish international would be a significant upgrade on most of the midfield options that are currently available, barring Fernandes.

Recently described as a “fantastic” beast by his former Madrid and now-Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, the 28-year-old played four games in the Champions League last season and scored one goal, whilst he averaged two shots, 1.5 tackles and 1.8 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, Mata could only muster 1.4 dribbles on average per game in the Europa League last season, as per WhoScored.

Ed Woodward simply can’t afford to ignore a player such as Isco, let alone let him slip through his fingers, especially when you consider the fact that his market value is estimated at a mere £18m, via Transfermarkt. However, it seems his former club Malaga are in the driving seat, so the board may have a bidding war on their hands should the Spaniard pique their interest.

AND in other news, Manchester United can sign their next David Beckham in Bundesliga starlet Solskjaer wants…

Everton have been dealt a huge blow in their chase of Zeki Celik with the LOSC Lille right-back reported to favour a January transfer to AS Roma.

What’s the word?

According to Fanatik, Roma have begun negotiations with Lille in hopes of signing Celik in the mid-season window, as they strive to move ahead of the Toffees in the race for the Turkey international.

Lille are understood to value the 23-year-old at just €15m (£13.5m), two-and-a-half years on from signing Celik for €2.5m (£2m) and seeing the defender prove to be a key aspect of Christophe Galtier’s plans at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

Celik has opened 12 of Les Dogues’ Ligue 1 fixtures this term, with an ankle injury sidelining the 18-cap defender for three games following the November international break.

Everton had held talks with Celik’s representatives earlier in the January window to discuss a potential move to Goodison Park, where Carlo Ancelotti is said to be searching for his long-term successor to Seamus Coleman.

But Celik is now said to favour a move to Roma, where Paulo Fonseca’s side sit fourth in the Serie A and nine points behind leaders AC Milan after losing 3-0 to SS Lazio in the Rome derby last Friday.

Ancelotti has one choice to make

Word that Celik is favouring a move to the Stadio Olimpico as the Giallorossi ramp up negotiations with Lille has left Ancelotti with one choice to make: Who does he envisage being Everton’s right-back in years to come?

The Toffees have been linked with a handful of names of late, including Norwich City’s Max Aarons, Rangers’ James Tavernier and more recently Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey, on top of Lille’s Celik, as Ancelotti strives to find a long-term option in the position.

Ancelotti must decide swiftly if Celik is the one to fill the role, or if the Blues would be better served waiting until the summer when they may have the chance to sign a player like Lamptey.

So far this season, Lamptey has emerged as the best attacking option between Coleman, Celik and himself with a higher volume of shots per game (0.5), key passes (0.9) and successful dribbles (1.2) in the Premier League, per WhoScored.

Celik, for his efforts in Ligue 1, ranks second among the trio for shots (0.4 to Coleman’s 0.3) and key passes (0.8 to Coleman’s 0.4), but third for dribbles (0.6 to Coleman’s 0.8). He also displays better defensive traits with a higher average of successful tackles (3.2), interceptions (1.8) and joint-most clearances (1.5) and blocks (0.2).

Lamptey, meanwhile, is last compared to Celik and Coleman with 1.5 tackles, 0.6 times dribbled past,  blocks (0.1) and clearances (0.8) and second for interceptions (1.7) and for least fouls committed (1.9).

So, for just €15m (£13.5m), Celik would offer a very well-rounded and young option to rival Coleman for honours at right-back, but Ancelotti may be too late in his pursuit.

AND in other news, Everton have requested further information on the availability of a 21-y/o target who “has potential”…

Ralph Hasenhuttl has sent Southampton striker Danny Ings a message as the speculation around his future continues.

Hasenhuttl pushes Ings

Ings has been offered a new contract at St. Mary’s Stadium. His current deal still runs until 2022, but the Saints are eager to see him commit his long-term future to the club.

Hasenhuttl has been talking about his star striker’s situation at the club, and he has made it clear that he does not rely on one single player – if Ings does not want to sign a new deal, Southampton will move on. The boss said:

“Danny has come from a bigger club and he knows what he has, now he is here.

“I see in every training session how much he enjoys playing here, but he also sees that there are now more and more players committing to our way and signing new contracts.

“As I said, who wants to be part of this, is invited to come.

“I think the offer we made him is a fantastic one and, in my opinion, we showed him how much we want him to stay here and the rest is on him.

“Now he has to take the responsibility for this and we will have to live with it too.

“We are not addicted to one player only and we must always have a squad that can replace anybody.

“We have a good core now after extending contracts and we have a few players negotiating.

“We are building the future at the moment and those who want to come with us are heartily invited.”

Strong mindset

It is fantastic to see Hasenhuttl refusing to put too much importance on Ings. In reality, he will know the £18m-valued former Liverpool forward (Transfermarkt) is vital to the success of his team, as his 28 goals in his last 46 Premier League matches reveal. However, he cannot afford to be held to ransom by any specific player.

If Ings does move on, Southampton will too. Plenty of top players have been and gone at St. Mary’s – the south-coast outfit are no strangers to losing some of their star performers – so Ings will just be the latest addition to an ever-growing list. He does appear to be enjoying his football under Hasenhuttl, though – hopefully that will be enough to convince him to stay at the club.

In other news, the price has been set for the Southampton target compared to Lionel Messi.

David Sullivan must sanction a new contract for Lukasz Fabianski after the West Ham United goalkeeper revealed that talks are ongoing.

What’s the word?

Fabianski has entered into the final six months of his current deal at the London Stadium, where Irons chiefs are facing decisions over the futures of several senior players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the season.

David Martin, Robert Snodgrass and even Mr West Ham Mark Noble could find it hard to argue their case over new terms, having struggled to feature under David Moyes thus far this term, but Fabianski’s situation is one the Hammers simply must attend to.

Fabianski recently revealed to Polish outlet WeszloFM that he is in discussions over new terms, noting: “Talks are underway. I’d like to stay at West Ham. Extend the contract, because I feel good here.”

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Michael Brown believes it is a “no brainer” that West Ham offer Fabianski a new deal, as the 55-cap Poland international brings a safe pair of hands to the goal line in east London.

Fabianski has kept four clean sheets in 12 Premier League fixtures this season and initially atoned for his error by saving Mateusz Klich’s penalty, which he gave away, before VAR intervention allowed Leeds United the chance to score on the second attempt.

Get it done

Sullivan would be naïve not to retain Fabianski beyond the £2.25million-rated shot-stopper’s current deal, as the £65,000-per-week ‘keeper has shown himself to be among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining West Ham in 2018.

Irons co-owner Sullivan even admits he “bullied” Manuel Pellegrini to welcome Fabianski to the London Stadium during the Chilean’s first window in charge, as the ex-Arsenal goalie and defender Issa Diop were the only players he chose to sign.

Time and time again Fabianski is able to pull out a high-level stop to save West Ham’s blushes, and his importance to the line-up is only highlighted further whenever the 35-year-old is on the sidelines.

Roberto lasted just a season at the London Stadium having flopped massively upon his arrival from Espanyol in 2019, with the Spaniard conceding 21 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions before leaving on an initial loan in January.

He eventually left in the summer to join Real Valladolid and put a disappointing stint behind him, with Roberto showing himself as being as far from Premier League standard as possible with a string of blunders that saw the Irons fall into a relegation fight.

Thankfully for Moyes, Fabianski is yet to miss a minute of Premier League action this term and as a result, sits sixth in the division for total saves (39), eighth for high claims (6) and 13th for goals conceded inside the penalty area (12), per SofaScore.

Only Liverpool duo Adrian (7) and Allison (9), plus Manchester City’s Ederson (9), Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris (9), Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez (9), Everton’s Jordan Pickford (11) and Burnley’s Nick Pope (11) have allowed fewer goals from shots taken inside the box.

AND in other news, West Ham have been dealt a massive blow in pursuit of the January answer to David Moyes’ “worst nightmare”.

Liverpool put in a solid performance on Saturday to ensure they came away with nothing less than three points from their latest home fixture. The Reds played host to a struggling Sheffield United, who put the reigning champions to the sword. However, despite their best efforts to nullify Jurgen Klopp’s side, Liverpool were able to resurrect their winning Premier League form.

Thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota, the title holders are on their way to re-establishing their dominance after their 7-2 loss to Aston Villa threw a spanner in the works. But it wasn’t just Klopp’s attack that had an influence on the match. His makeshift defence did him proud and will have eased a lot of his worries after key man Virgil van Dijk could be out for the remainder of the season.

Joe Gomez impressed against Sheffield United

Despite worry from the fans, Joe Gomez is doing a fine job of stepping into his Dutch partner’s shoes. In the absence of van Dijk’s calm composure and natural leadership, things looked bleak at the back for Liverpool. However, Klopp’s pairing of the England international and Fabinho has proved to be a winning formula so far.

The two were strong at the back against Ajax and continued their impressive displays at Anfield on Saturday. Gomez particularly impressed and will have undoubtedly eased a lot of pressure off Klopp’s shoulders.

According to Sofascore, the 23-year-old maintained a 94% passing accuracy and was successful in 100% of his 12 attempted long balls. Additionally, Gomez made a mighty nine clearances and two interceptions, showing his confidence exactly where it was needed to be put on display.

Fans are thrilled with the £36million-rated centre-back and have waxed lyrical about the VVD-esque shift he put in against the Blades. One supporter has said that he is “proving everyone wrong” amid the doubt over whether he will be able to lead Liverpool’s defence this campaign (via Rousing The Kop).

His teammates, fans and manager will definitely be pleased with both him and Fabinho. Their next challenge will come against Midtjylland in the Champions League, which could be another chance to showcase his presence across the backline.

In other news, Shock Jurgen Klopp revelation could spell a Liverpool return for Rhian Brewster…

Leeds are currently boasting some seriously exciting young players as more and more teenagers look to push their way up through the academy. But one man who might beat them to the punch is recent youth signing Joe Gelhardt, who joined from Wigan for a nominal fee this summer.

The 18-year-old impressed at his boyhood club and has taken to life at Leeds like a duck to water. So far this season he has tallied four goals and one assist in seven Premier League 2 appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Marcelo Bielsa must consider promoting the teen, who has already been named on the Argentinian’s roster this term. Leeds need to add more coal to their attacking fire, with only Patrick Bamford to rely on at the moment. Unleashing Gelhardt could be the fresh injection of energy they need to return to form.

Leeds could create Bamford and Gelhardt partnership

The Whites’ No.9 is one of the most clinical and natural strikers in the Premier League this season. There’s no question over his ability to finish and bully the opposition’s defence. However, when starved of chances from his fellow attackers and the midfield, it’s a lot to ask of Bamford to carry the team on his own.

Bielsa has already made some cut throat decisions, including hauling off Jamie Shackleton at half-time after he fell short of the mark against Leicester in their 4-1 loss. He was then dropped completely from the squad as Leeds suffered yet another 4-1 defeat, this time at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Bielsa’s defence is something he should be focusing on, but his attack is equally in need of some TLC. Giving an exciting new signing the chance to shine at his new club could pay off in dividends as he is sure to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Phil Hay certainly backs Gelhardt – he waxed lyrical about the 18-year-old on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show.

“He’s been hugely impressive in the [Under-23s],” The Athletic reporter said. “Every time I see him, he looks like a massively talented player.”

Such a promising young player could balance 27-year-old Bamford out perfectly in a new Leeds era.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa must change formation tactics or risk Premier League exit…

Leeds United have been in the market for a creative midfielder all summer.

Rodrigo De Paul has been the name linked for the longest time, but as we edge closer to the end of the window, the club seem to be broadening their horizons.

Football Insider are claiming that the club have put in a £15m bid for Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell, and that is a mouth-watering prospect.

Cantwell was the standout player in the Norwich City side that were relegated last season, with six goals and two assists to his name, despite being just 21 years old for most of the season.

The attacking midfielder was certainly eye-catching with his dribbling skills causing problems for even the best defences in the division, as shown by his incredible showing against Manchester City last term, in which he netted a goal.

However, away from his talent, he seems to be the type of player that Leeds fans would immediately love.

United supporters revel in the club’s reputation of being one of the most hated teams in the country, and the fanbase have often been in awe of their own players when they have gone out of their way to wind-up opposition players or fans, with Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford getting lots of adulation for their antics.

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Cantwell does fit that mould, jokingly dancing after goals and doing kick-ups before taking a decisive penalty in one of the biggest games of his career are incidents immediately spring to mind.

You have to be talented to get away with doing things like that, and Cantwell has the footballing ability to silence anyone who disagrees with how he acts on the pitch.

Not only would this be an amazing signing from a footballing standpoint, but he has the style and swagger to immediately become an Elland Road favourite.