Alex Jones 
Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Sport
Celtic have been urged to afford to a second chance to left-back outcast Boli Bolingoli.
Despite ‘putting people’s lives at risk’, former Scotland and Rangers boss Alex McLeish believes the Belgian left-back should be offered a lifeline by Ange Postecoglou and the club.
With Celtic in need of a new full-back following the departure of loanee Diego Laxalt, Greg Taylor remains the Bhoys’ sole senior left-back option.
Despite McLeish admitting the complicated nature of Bolingoli’s situation, Celtic‘s present needs could boost the Belgian defender’s chances of re-integrating himself into plans at Paradise.
Having travelled to Spain and played football without alerting the club – and in breach of health regulations set out by the Scottish government – the left-back found himself exiled in a widely-publicised scandal.
He found himself offloaded on loan to the other side of Europe with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, but has since linked up with Ange Postecoglou’s pre-season training camp in Wales.
Although formally a part of the pre-season unit, he did not feature in their opening pre-season friendly with Charlton Athletic – a game the Hoops won in a 2-1 victory.
According to the Daily Record, the 26-year-old full-back had picked up a knock, though Postecoglou was prepared to offer Bolingoli a shot at redemption in Celtic colours.
Alex McLeish, speaking to Football Insider, confessed his conflicted feelings on the player’s inclusion:
“I find that one difficult to process,” McLeish admitted.
“He’s put people’s lives at risk. The situation was an amazing new situation for everyone.
“There were some players at Aberdeen and some players at Rangers who were suspended. They put everybody’s lives at risk.
“It’s hard to evaluate that. But I think everybody deserves a second chance.”
Read Celtic Verdict
McLeish has taken a bold yet empathetic stance with Bolingoli.
A depth shortage on the left side could mean that Bolingoli saves the club both resources – in terms of transfer funds and negotiations for a new defender – and time in terms of the delicate and complex nature of securing deals.
From a practical standpoint with Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers just over a week away, Bolingoli could be a surprise asset offering a selection boost to Celtic’s new boss.
