Hibernian manager Jack Ross has insisted that reported Celtic target Martin Boyle is the last player that his club are prepared to lose.
This comes amidst reports that the Hoops are interested in signing the 26-year-old.
Celtic head of football operations Nick Hammond was recently seen in attendance during Hibs’ game against Hamilton.
“I’ve said before he’s a better player than some people have given him credit for. He’s got a lot more than pace – his intelligence is really good and he contributed towards the two goals.” Ross said as quoted by BBC Sport.
“Martin is the last person I’d like to lose from this club.
“But I’ve had it with players before – Lewis Morgan [at St Mirren], Josh Maja [at Sunderland] – players who get results and you enjoy watching them . . . then people take them off you.
“I’m not bothered with others watching him because it means he’s playing well for me.”
Boyle would have left a good impression on Celtic supremo Hammond as he notched two assists to help his side complete a come-from-behind victory after they were 1-0 down, which led to them prevailing 2-1.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is very familiar with Boyle after having managed him while he was at the Easter Road club.
Boyle has clearly been in form this season and has notched an impressive five goals and three assists from 12 league games.
He is arguably one of the best performing right-sided wingers in Scottish football now.
Sixth place Hibs are unlikely to challenge for any major silverware soon and this could make a move to Celtic potentially appealing to Boyle especially as he is now approaching the peak of his career.
Celtic do also definitely need to make new signings soon – if not this month then next summer.
The Hoops are unlikely to dominate Scottish football convincingly anymore as they did for the past ten years.
Rangers have emerged from the doldrums under Steven Gerrard and are now a force to be reckoned with again.
The Gers are giving Lennon’s Celtic side a serious run for their money this season and may even win the league title this season.
Celtic will how have to think long and hard about how they sign players.
