The announcement that Ronny Deila will be leaving Celtic this summer has sent the proverbial rumour mill into overdrive North of the Border.
A plethora of managerial names have been linked with what is undoubtedly one of the biggest jobs in British, if not European football, including the likes of David Moyes and Brendan Rodgers.
More left-field suggestions in the shape of Ryan Giggs and Steven Evans have surfaced, though a more unexpected name is the latest to appear.
The out of work Nigel Pearson is thought to be a target for both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, though has most recently been mooted as a potential candidate for the Glaswegian giants.
Despite his sacking at the start of the season, the 52-year old has arguably never seen his stock higher after leading Leicester to a great escape last season and laying the foundations for a title surge this time around.
Due to his nature, the former Hull City coach will more than likely be a controversial appointment should he arrive at Parkhead.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a particularly bad one.
Somehow, the Hoops appear to have stagnated despite winning five consecutive league titles and the return of Rangers to the top flight will mean some fight needs to be instilled back into the ranks.
There are few better options to do so than that.
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So, with that in mind, click the image below to see five Celtic players Pearson really need to axe should he ultimately takeover.
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Efe Ambrose
Efe Ambrose is/was a popular figure amongst the club’s support, though the tide is slowly turning on the Nigerian and surely this summer will spell an end to his time with the Bhoys.
He’s reportedly of interest to the mega wealthy Chinese teams after losing some of the solidity that made him such a popular figure amongst the Parkhead faithful over the last few seasons.
Pearson likes his stoppers to be no-nonsense, something the 27-year old really can’t be described as these days.
Anthony Stokes
Currently on loan with former club Hibernian in the second tier without pulling up any trees, Anthony Stokes is out of contract this summer and should not at all be kept on.
Useful in his younger days, the former Sunderland forward left for Easter Road in acrimonious circumstances over the course of the January transfer window.
The sort of petulance shown by the Republic of Ireland international is unlikely to fly under Pearson and he should not be kept on.
Stefan Johansen
Indicative of the Ronny Deila era, there appears to be no place for Stefan Johansen at Celtic beyond the course of this season.
With just 12 months to run on his current deal, the Norwegian seems likely to follow his countrymen out the door.
A stunning season last term has been unable to be reproduced this time round and the fact his deal is close to running out means this summer represents an ideal chance to shift him on.
A move to the Bundesliga has repeatedly been mooted, after a largely inconsistent year.
James Forrest
Selling a product of your academy is never an overly popular move, though there is little that can be done in the case of James Forrest.
The Scotland international lost his place in the starting lineup and will see his deal run out at Parkhead at the turn of the year.
Undoubtedly a talent, the fact he has reportedly rejected an offer to stay in Glasgow means selling him this summer while some sort of fee can still be commanded is imperative.
Colin Kazim-Richards
Colin Kazim-Richards has barely been with Celtic five minutes, though surely doesn’t represent a long-term option for the club.
The Turkey star does provide strength out on the wing, though is ineffective in front of goal and at times far more trouble than he’s worth.
Pearson may like solidity, but the aggressive nature of the former Blackburn man may prove too much even for him.
