Niko Sigur Looks An Excellent Celtic Signing — It’s Just A Shame He’s Arriving Too Late

I’m going to start with the positive here because, from everything I’ve seen and read about Niko Sigur, I think Celtic could be getting an excellent addition to the squad.

At 22, Sigur fits the age profile Celtic traditionally look towards, but it’s his versatility that particularly interests me.

He can operate in midfield but is also comfortable playing at right-back. Given Celtic’s current situation, that feels almost tailor-made for what this squad needs.

Alistair Johnston is injured, while the departure of Arne Engels has removed serious running power from Martin O’Neill’s midfield.

Sigur potentially gives Celtic another solution in both areas without simply arriving as somebody who sits on the bench waiting for an opportunity.

So yes, I’m positive about this one.

But there’s an obvious frustration attached to it.

Why now?

Celtic face LASK tonight in the first leg of a Champions League play-off and the squad still feels short in precisely the areas Sigur could strengthen.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is suspended.

Engels has already been allowed to complete his move to West Ham.

Mika Baur has only just arrived and Reo Hatate has barely featured under O’Neill.

At right-back, Johnston’s absence has also left Celtic without their established first choice.

That makes Sigur sound less like a luxury addition and more like exactly the sort of player Celtic could have done with having integrated into the squad weeks ago.

And that’s where my frustration with this summer remains.

I actually think Celtic have recruited well. Kasper Høgh, Haissem Hassan and Baur have raised the level, and Sigur could continue that trend.

The criticism isn’t necessarily who Celtic are signing anymore.

It’s when they’re signing them.

If Sigur arrives, I’ll be delighted to see what he can bring to Celtic over the season ahead. A young international capable of covering two positions could prove to be a very clever piece of business.

It’s just a shame that when Celtic walk out for one of their biggest games of the season tonight, the latest potential solution to two of their most obvious problems won’t be there.

Better late than never?

For the season, absolutely.

For the Champions League qualifier, unfortunately not.