Latest news with #RossDoohan
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Celtic strongest starting XI following £1.2m arrival and Nicolas Kuhn transfer exit links
Celtic are entering a crucial summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to build a squad that can continue their dominance of the Scottish Premiership and reach the knockout stages of next season's UEFA Champions League. Scotland's dominant force over the last four seasons, the Hoops won a domestic double yet again last season, while they also enjoyed their best European campaign in over a decade, narrowly losing to German giants Bayern Munich in the last 16 playoffs. Head coach Rodgers has already admitted he'd like to freshen up his squad, and the bargain £1.2million arrival of Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland on Friday, coupled with the signings of Scotland internationals Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, are the boss first sign of intent - though more are expected to follow. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn have been both linked with exits this season, however, with the latter reported to be a £15million target for former club RB Leipzig. Can they they keep their duo at the club this summer? And what would Celtic's strongest starting XI look like if they can keep them at Parkhead? This is what The Scotsman feel is Celtic's current strongest XI ahead of their season opener against St Mirren on August 3. 1 . GK: Kasper Schmeichel The big Danish goalkeeper will face competition from Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan this season, but is still Celtic's number one at present. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . RB: Alistair Johnston The Canadian endured a heart-breaking end to his campaign, after missing the crucial penalty in the Scottish Cup shootout defeat to Aberdeen, but is still very much one of Celtic's most important players. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 3 . CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers Linked to both Leeds United and Sunderland this summer, Celtic will hope they can resist any offers for their first choice centre-back. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . CB: Liam Scales Fought off competition from Auston Trusty to be Cameron Carter-Vickers centre-back partner last season, however, links to Serbian teenager Veljko Milosavljević could see his place come under serious threat in the weeks and months to come. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic transfer latest including in-depth look at Benji Nygren and why he won't be the last attacking signing Hoops make
CELTIC have now signed three players in the summer transfer window. And you can bet Brendan Rodgers won't let it stop there. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 5 Benjamin Nygren will wear number eight at Celtic Credit: CELTIC FC Today the Premiership champions unveiled their latest addition, attacking midfielder Benji Nygren. He joins the returning Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan as arrivals at Parkhead and SunSport looks at what may still be to come from the club as the window continues. We also analyse how Nygren will fit into the Hoops' line-up with his versatility giving Rodgers food for thought. But Nicolas Kuhn could be on his way OUT and there are questions over fringe players like Johnny Kenny, and defensive rock Cameron Carter-Vickers. BENJAMIN NYGREN I think it's a great piece of business. He's a player who has clearly done a lot in his career so far, he's broken into the Sweden squad, recently scored goals for Sweden, he was really good in Denmark last year with 16 goals and can play as an attacking midfielder, number 10, number 8 or off a wing, even play up front as well. Reading Brendan Rodgers' quotes on him, he felt he was a quality player and I think that's what Celtic are getting in Benjamin Nygren, and for an absolute steal at the price. The big thing for me is he's a guy who I would look at and think he'll immediately come in and improve Celtic, this is no project, this is no squad player, this is a guy who will come in and play for Celtic and I think Celtic have pulled off a real transfer coup by getting him. He was very open in that he was ready to leave Denmark and move and he spoke about wanting to play under big pressure, wanting to compete for trophies, wanting to play in the Champions League, wanting to play in front of big crowds in a big stadium. Celtic, in that sense, tick every box. The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up They still have this Champions League play-off to try and get through but I can imagine Celtic sells itself to an extent. For someone like him, who maybe wasn't going to get a top four, top five Bundesliga club, he's probably in that stage in his career where he wants to make a next step and just experience a bit more and gain better experience especially at European level. Brendan Rodgers is a manager who can develop players, who can help them progress and grow and I think it's a perfect fit for everybody. I wonder whether Celtic will play him as more of an attacking midfielder, maybe a Matt O'Reilly type replacement, that kind of idea. He can clearly score goals, I think what he's also got about him is a bit of personality, he was captain of Nordsjaelland last year, I think that will help. ROSS DOOHAN Ross Doohan comes in and what you're getting a guy who's just made his Scotland debut, he's knows the club, a really, really good addition to the goalkeeping area. You've got Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and now Ross Doohan, I think that made perfect sense. NICOLAS KUHN We had the story about RB Leipzig, it then came out that Red Bull obviously want to take him back to Germany, in Italy it's emerged that Como, Cesc Fabregas' side are also very keen to bring him over to Serie A. Look he's a player who had a brilliant probably first six, seven months of the season last year, he did tail off, that's undeniable, however what a talented player. 5 Could Nicolas Kuhn leave Celtic for £15million this summer? Credit: Willie Vass When we talk about Celtic's transfer model, this is a signing for about £3million that they could potentially make five, six times their money on him if he was to go this summer. However it has to be on Celtic's terms. It would probably be an attractive proposition for him to go back to Leipzig where it all kind of started for him over in Germany and might feel that that's a better chance for him to work his way into the German national squad which is one of his career ambitions, especially ahead of the World Cup next year. But Celtic have got a long term deal, the terms have to be right if they are going to sell and it has to be right for everybody. Now if Nicolas Kuhn does want to go and makes it clear to Brendan Rodgers he wants to go, I don't think Brendan Rodgers will stand in his way, you saw that with Kyogo in January. If Como are now in for him, that's maybe a win-win for Celtic because you always want more interest in players in terms of the transfer phase, so we'll see how that one progresses over the next few weeks. My gut feeling is come the end of the transfer window Nicolas Kuhn won't be a Celtic player, but where he'll end up? I would probably say Leipzig are favourites right now, but we'll just see how it pans out. JOHNNY KENNY OUT, SHIN YAMADA IN? I suppose based on his form this season you would maybe scratch your head and think why would you be interested? But you need to look back to last season, his goal return last season which was outstanding in the J League, 19 goals. I think he is also one that, don't be fooled by his lack of experience at 25, it's the Japanese system you go through university, if you look at the profile of him, he is pretty quick, strong, stocky, seems very suited to European football, very suited to Scottish football and I think it's also quite interesting in that the fee wouldn't be huge. 5 Celtic got Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda and even Kyogo was a wee bit more at about £4million but all of them were still good value. I know Celtic have been scouting Japan and they are looking at Hayato Inamura as well from Nigata, a central defender, but I think he would certainly be one with a night in the future if that happens. In terms of Yamada, to me he is a guy who could suit Scottish football and I can understand why. But it's not just Celtic, there are European clubs looking at him because I think he is a player who seems ready for a move to Europe and I think he is a guy who for a relatively low fee could certainly do a job. With this in mind, I do wonder about Johnny Kenny. I know there has been interest and Celtic need to probably decide what they are going to do with him. Is it a loan, do you take any permanent offer that comes in for him? MICHEL-ANGE BALIKWISHA AND SONDRE ORJASAETER Balikwisha is certainly one that's been watched and I think he's only got a year left in his deal, he's had a lot of injury problems, he's a player that Celtic have liked for a while. I wonder whether the fee that Antwerp are looking for just now, whether it's Celtic or other interested parties, will start to go down towards the end of the window. I think they're asking for, according to colleagues in Belgium, 5 million euros and that's maybe a bit steep given his contract situation and his injury record. 5 Sondre Orjasaeter in action for Norway Under-21s Credit: AFP So I will keep watching that and with Orjasaeter, he's also been linked with PSV and he's clearly a player of potential, of quality, however I think you would maybe look at that one and have to ask what the interest actually is, and what else is going on, as Celtic have reportedly been looking at him in other windows but nothing has happened. I just wonder how that will pan out over the course of the next couple of months, especially if there's major interest from PSV at a certain level. CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS He's so important and I actually think what will help Cameron Carter-Vickers get into this season is he didn't have to go away with America, he was able to get a proper rest after the Scottish Cup final and I think with a strong pre-season, injury free, that will do him the world of good. I expect another strong season from Cameron Carter-Vickers, I don't expect him to be on the sale agenda, I think he'll be at Celtic for the foreseeable future. He's the number one central defender there, he's such an important player for Brendan Rodgers and the club. It's just a case of who partners him. 5 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
New Celtic signing backs himself to rise to challenge in bid to become Scotland 'mainstay'
Goalkeeper admits he faces 'difficult' task for game-time Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ross Doohan has backed himself to get enough game time at Celtic to become 'a mainstay' in the Scotland squad. After being handed a surprise international debut against Liechtenstein earlier this month amid a goalkeeping crisis within Steve Clarke's squad, the 27-year-old sealed a return to his boyhood club on a three-year deal last week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Doohan, who spent most of the past two seasons as number two at Aberdeen after leaving Parkhead to join Tranmere in 2022, is expected to start off as third choice at Celtic behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo. New Celtic signing Ross Doohan is unveiled to the media at Celtic Park, on June 24, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'It's obviously going to be difficult,' he said when asked on Tuesday about the battle to get game time with the Scottish champions. 'There are two top goalkeepers at the club already and I'm buzzing to be working with them. 'I'm just looking to work as hard as I can and put my face out there. I'm hoping to push myself into the team. I know it'll be hard but I back myself. 'I know I've got a foot in the door now so I just need to go to training and show everyone what I can do because they've not seen me in training for a few years since I've left. I need to go and show them what I'm like now and really push myself and try and knock on the door to get in the team.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Doohan said he had enjoyed 'a surreal couple of weeks' after landing his return to Celtic so soon after his unexpected international debut. The keeper – summoned from his summer holiday to join the squad at a time when the paucity of Scottish options for the number one jersey was exposed by a string of injuries – is confident his big move can aid his quest to add to his solitary cap. Ross Doohan in action during his Scotland debut against Liechtenstein at Rheinpark Stadion, on June 08, 2025, in Vaduz. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'I believe in myself and if I get a call-up again I'm hoping I'd impress and hopefully end up a mainstay in the squad,' said Doohan. 'Obviously I'm moving to one of the biggest clubs in the world and the biggest club in Scotland so that's always going to put you in good stead. I just need to push myself at Celtic, hopefully get some game time and then take it from there.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Doohan has accumulated more than 60 first-team appearances for Tranmere, Aberdeen and Forest Green since he officially departed Celtic three years ago. 'I feel I've matured a lot both on and off the pitch,' he said. 'I've got a lot more experience and I feel my all-round game has gotten better so I'm just looking forward to getting in and working and showing everyone that. 'I feel like I grew up here basically. I was here since I was 12, 13, up until I left a few years ago so I've obviously got a major attachment here.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Doohan hopes to earn Celtic chance & become Scotland 'mainstay'
Ross Doohan has backed himself to get enough game time at Celtic to become "a mainstay" in the Scotland being handed a surprise international debut against Liechtenstein earlier this month amid a goalkeeping crisis within Steve Clarke's squad, the 27-year-old sealed a return to his boyhood club on a three-year deal last who spent most of the past two seasons as number two at Aberdeen after leaving Parkhead to join Tranmere in 2022, is expected to start off as third choice at Celtic behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo."It's obviously going to be difficult," he said when asked about the battle to get game time with the Scottish champions. "There are two top goalkeepers at the club already and I'm buzzing to be working with them."I'm just looking to work as hard as I can and put my face out there. I'm hoping to push myself into the team. I know it'll be hard, but I back said he had enjoyed "a surreal couple of weeks" after landing his return to Celtic so soon after his unexpected international keeper, who cut a summer holiday short to join up with Clarke's Scotland squad, is confident his big move can aid his quest to add to his solitary cap."If I get a call-up again I'm hoping I'd impress and hopefully end up a mainstay in the squad," Doohan added."Obviously I'm moving to one of the biggest clubs in the world and the biggest club in Scotland, so that's always going to put you in good stead. "I just need to push myself at Celtic, hopefully get some game time and then take it from there."
The National
4 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Celtic new boy on getting life lessons from Lisbon Lion John Clark
Ross Doohan certainly did when he was in the youth ranks. The goalkeeper had loan spells at Cumbernauld Colts, Morton, Ayr United, Ross County, Dundee United and Tranmere Rovers during the seven years that he spent on the books at the Glasgow giants as a young man before finally signing permanently for the latter back in 2022. But Doohan, who has returned to the East End following a successful two year spell at Aberdeen, still believes that he knows exactly what is required to play for the Scottish champions, what standards he has to attain both on and off the pitch, as a result of his first stint. Bringing Celtic legend John Clark, who tragically passed away at the age of 84 on Monday, sweet treats on a regular basis when the Lisbon Lion was the kit man and then listening to his stories made him realise the levels that he needs to reach on a weekly basis. The 27-year-old, who signed a three year contract at his old club last week, was distraught when he learned the sad news about Clark earlier on this week. Read more: 'When I was younger I used to come in with cakes,' he said. 'There would be John, Hugh McGovern, Steve Wright and Hugh Hoolihan in the kit room. I used to spend hours in there after training, just sitting and talking to them. 'So it's devastating to hear about John because he's such a legend, he's such a big part of this club. My deepest condolences go to his family. It's obviously not nice to hear at all. 'I was here full-time from when I was 16 until when I was 23. So I always saw him in and about the training ground at Lennoxtown and about the stadium. He was a great guy and had great charisma. It's just a massive loss for the club because he was a massive part of this club. 'There were always wee stories. But John was always the type of person who would just see himself as a normal person. But what he's done in the game for this club is massive and he will never be forgotten. It's just such a shame. 'But the type of guy he was, you'd never think he was a Lisbon Lion in the way he acted. I think he didn't realise how big an influence he had on so many people at this club. Including me and all the youth team when I was there. (Image: Colin Mearns) 'He was just a great person to have around. The way he acted, it wasn't as if he had won the European Cup with the club. But everybody knew he had so he always had the respect of everybody at the club. He was just such a massive part of this football club. 'As I say, I used to bring the cakes in, Tunnock's Tea Cakes or Caramel Wafers. I'd bring them in, sit in the kit room and have a chat with him and the other kit men. 'He didn't speak to you about football, it was more about what you were like as a person, which I think is more important. He'd speak about working hard and your attitude and everything. He will just be a massive loss and it's devastating to hear.' Having to vie with Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo for a place in Brendan Rodgers' starting line-up in the 2025/26 campaign will be tough for Doohan. However, the man who made 18 appearances for Aberdeen last term and picked up a Scottish Cup winner's medal in May is delighted to be back at Celtic and is looking forward to the challenge. Read more: 'It means a lot to sign for Celtic again,' he said. 'I feel like I grew up here. I knew I had to probably leave. It was the best for me at that time. With just the one position as a goalkeeper, I felt I had to go out and play. But the loan spells were great when I was here before and when I went away permanently I got a lot of game time. 'I know the club quite well because I have spent a lot of my life here and I know what's expected of being a Celtic player. Obviously winning games is great, but the way you conduct yourself and come across is very important too. 'So I think knowing the club and the size of the club will maybe make it a bit easier for me coming in. I have had the previous experience, growing up here and having to leave to come back. 'Coming from the youth system here, being from Glasgow, I know how big the club is. My family are all Celtic fans and it's just a great honour to be back. It was always a pull when I left here, it was always a dream to come back.' Doohan continued, 'I've got to back myself. I've just got to go out and train and work hard and then any opportunity I get, I need to grasp it. I need to train hard during the week to be ready for the game at the weekend, whether I'm playing or not. 'That's life as a goalkeeper, you always need to be ready. So that's what I'm going to do, work hard and just prepare like I'm playing every game. 'I feel like competition's healthy everywhere. If you're competing with people, that'll bring out the best in you. So that's what I'm looking to do, looking to come in, push on and really see what happens and just hopefully make a stamp in the squad here.'
