Wilfried Nancy’s Dream Celtic XI After January Window

Wilfried Nancy is the frontrunner to become Celtic’s next manager, according to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano.

It’s been widely reported that advanced talks are well underway in an effort to bring in the 48-year-old Columbus Crew head coach in as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor.

Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney have been holding the fort as the Celtic hierarchy hunt for the next manager of the club and that now looks likely to be the Frenchman.

It will be a whirlwind start for the new man with a hectic fixture schedule between now and the end of the year.

A first chance at lifting silverware could arrive just weeks into the tenure, while the champions are looking to hunt down early league leaders Hearts and also kick-start their Europa League campaign and reach the next stage after just four points from four games.

Focus will then turn to January and a first chance to bring in new recruits.

Nancy seems to prefer a three at the back shape in a sort of 3-4-2-1 set up according to leading stats website transfermarkt.

Taking that into account, how does a potential dream Celtic XI look for Nancy if he gets in some fresh faces in the January transfer window.

Kasper Schmeichel – GK

There is no immediate rush to look at the No1 position for the new boss.

Ever-present Kasper Schmeichel comes with bags of experience and Viljami Sinisalo has shown he is a more than able deputy when called upon.

Heading towards the end of the season, the Denmark No1 is out of contract and a big decision over his future will need to be made.

The 39-year-old isn’t certainly a long-term solution but could buy the new boss time to do his homework on a new goalkeeper for the future.

Heading back to club side on the back of World Cup disappointment with Denmark resigned to the play-offs after a 4-2 defeat to Scotland at Hampden.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – CB

Cameron Carter-Vickers is widely viewed as Celtic’s best centre-back and will be one any boss would lean heavily on.

Faces an extended spell on the sidelines currently with an injury – but will no doubt be a key member of a Nancy XI when back fit and ready to go.

It is as simple as he plays if he is available.

Liam Scales – CB

Liam Scales is the perfect example of working hard behind the scenes, taking your big chance when it arrives and never looking back.

He once looked destined for the exit door at Parkhead – nowadays he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Likes to step out the back – like CCV – and start attacks but also isn’t afraid to put his body on the line when it matters.

He is a big player both at club level and on the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.

Auston Trusty – CB

A big money recruit under Brendan Rodgers last season but has had CCV and Liam Scales ahead of him in the pecking order.

He is back in the team for now and a big chance to stake his claim and show the new boss what he can offer.

With the World Cup also creeping up fast, Trusty will want to get the trust of Nancy from day one.

He has played every minute in the last four games and will hope that is a sign of things to come.

Alistair Johnston – RWB

When he is fit he plays, it really is as simple as that.

Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston have been deputising in the position while Johnston works back to full fitness.

The Canada international is a fans’ favourite and makes a real difference down that right side for Celtic.

Nancy and Johnston know each other from Montreal and he will be the one in the dressing room with all the insight to share.

Kieran Tierney – LWB

If Kieran Tierney can recapture the form of old, there is no doubting his ability.

And you have to wonder whether his incredible moment for Scotland will be the spark he needs.

Loves to bomb down the left side and deliver for his attacking colleagues – and can also fill in on the right – as shown by Steve Clarke at Hampden.

Injuries have been his main concern, while Marcelo Saracchi is major competition in that area of the park.

Tierney is Mr Celtic and, along with captain Callum McGregor, he knows what it takes and what is required.

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Callum McGregor – CM

The captain, leader and heartbeat of the Celtic side.

Now 32, Callum McGregor won’t be around forever, but every single boss has handed him the highest of praise.

Nancy will be no different and will lean heavily on the captain and is a certain starter.

He likes to get on the ball and dictate play — something that will be the minimum expectation.

Lennon Miller – CM

The online rumour mill has kicked into gear over the former Motherwell startlet due to his lack of game time in Italy.

Previously linked with Celtic, Scotland cap Lennon Miller made the move to Serie A with Udinese, banking the Fir Park outift a hefty profit and fee.

Only just 19, it is a brave adventure for the youngster as he looks to settle into a new culture after penning a long-term say in Italy.

But with just 74 minutes of top flight action and an appearance and goal in the Italian Cup, his tally of appearances this campaign stands at just 5.

That’s sparked whispers of a move to Celtic – whether or not that will happen is another thing – but he would certainly be one fans would be excited over.

Sebastien Tounekti – AM

Sebastien Tounekti has been one who has got the fans off their seats since his arrival.

The summer recruit has a real attacking intent and loves to take on a man.

An attacking midfield role could unlock another element to his game while it would give him the freedom and licence to attack in his favoured left wing position.

Diego Rossi – AM

Wilfried Nancy knows first hand what he would be getting from the Columbus Crew star if he decided to raid his old club.

The 27-year-old — with previous experience of playing in Europe at Turkish big hitters Fenerbahce — has hinted he could return to Europe for another stint.

Rossi has a huge fan in current boss Nancy, and you’d think he would be at the table to bring his talisman to Scotland.

19 goals in 37 games across all competitions this term, which would bring firepower to the Hoops frontline.

He can play as a centre-forward and also across the attacking front three, giving real versatility.

Jacen Russell-Rowe – ST

Another Columbus Crew man that Wilfried Nancy may look to get on board.

He has been previously on the radar of Celtic under Brendan Rodgers and with strikers on the agenda, it could be a move that fits for the 48-year-old.

Daizen Maeda expressed a desire to explore interest in the summer and that didn’t happen as clubs circle with January fast approaching.

GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano says Maeda could leave in January and if he does, a replacement is needed at the top end of the park, and the Canada cap could come into the equation.

If he was to arrive as a Maeda’s successor, he would have huge boots to fill with the fans’ favourite scooping all the major individual awards last term.

Honourable mentions

Reo Hatate – A big player for Celtic and one who will likely be competing with Arne Engels to be the starting midfielder alongside skipper Callum McGregor.

Jota – Will take time to get back up to speed after a long-term injury absence. But there is no doubting his ability and skill set when fit and motoring.

Johnny Kenny – Found his form under Martin O’Neill and will hope he can secure plenty of goals and minutes under the new regime after penning a long-term deal under Brendan Rodgers.

Benjamin Nygren – Five goals in 11 league outings and six overall alongside five assists. Brilliant start at Celtic and will no doubt be a big player, but plays in a position that comes with major competition.