Celtic need to land Doughty in January despite injury setback

Celtic are thought to be eyeing up a pre-contract deal for Charlton Athletic’s Alfie Doughty in the New Year.

The 20-year-old suffered a serious hamstring injury last month against Oxford United, and it has been revealed last week that the youngster could be out for up to four months as a result.

However, we still believe the Hoops need to make their move for the versatile star in January.

Celtic are in the unique position where they can seal a deal for a winter window addition before he kicks another ball for the Addicks.

Doughty, who can play left-back, left midfield and even in a central midfield role, won’t be returning to Lee Bowyer’s first-team fold until February, that’s if his return date proves to be correct.

That being said, both Celtic and Charlton could be open to a deal which would see Doughty move to Parkhead in January for an up-front transfer fee, opposed to a pre-contract agreement for next summer.

That too could be a shrewd move which may benefit all parties.

Doughty would be in the final stages of his recovery, Celtic would be receiving the services of a long-term target earlier than expected, and Charlton would be receiving a transfer fee for the youngster instead of losing him for next to nothing.

If that is the case, Doughty would then be given the chance to learn from Hoops star Diego Laxalt, with the left-back expected to return to AC Milan at the end of the current campaign.

And if Celtic failed to sign Laxalt permanently, it could give Doughty the chance to establish himself as Neil Lennon’s first-choice starter on the left-hand side.