Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Celtic attackers to flourish following the appointment of Harry Kewell as first-team coach.
The lowdown: Jobs for the boys
Sky Sports revealed recently that the former Australia winger is set to be named among Ange Postecgoglou’s backroom staff for the 2022/23 campaign having left English National League side Barnet last September, where he was manager for just seven matches.
Kewell will join John Kennedy, Stephen McManus, Gavin Strachan and Stevie Woods in making up the coaching setup at Celtic Park and will bring a wealth of experience to the Lennoxtown ranks that saw the 43-year-old represent Leeds United, Melbourne Heart, Liverpool and Galatasary during an illustrious playing career.
Since retirement, the Champions League winner has managed Watford Under 23s, Crawley, Oldham, and Notts County before the spell at Barnet.
The latest: Agbonlahor endorses move
Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa striker and regular talkSPORT pundit Agbonlahor claimed that the appointment of Kewell could be a masterstroke from the Hoops hierarchy.
He said: “The wingers in the team especially will be looking at Harry Kewell thinking ‘I remember you at Leeds, Liverpool and how good of a winger you were’. He had great technique and shooting.
“Definitely they will want to learn off him. I always think it’s a good idea to have ex-players who have played the game to be around and help. They can give their experiences of football and coaching to players.”
The verdict: Smart move
Albeit the managerial career of Kewell hasn’t quite gone to plan as of yet, having appeared at a World Cup, started a Champions League final and lifted the English FA Cup, the 56-cap ex-Australia international boasts a wealth of knowledge that each and every Celtic player can tap into.
A goalscoring winger who netted 122 goals in 506 career outings, allowing the Sydney-born coach to pass on information to the likes of Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and talented youngster Mikey Johnston seems priceless.
A compatriot of Postecoglou, the pair will likely work harmoniously in tandem on the touchline and beyond as the Bhoys embark on their own Champions League adventure to accompany their domestic duties next season.
In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped a Sadio Mane transfer twist.
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