Noel Whelan has claimed that Celtic should sign Jack Wilshere as a free agent.

The Lowdown: Brazil on Wilshere

Speaking on talkSPORT (via Daily Record), Alan Brazil has claimed that Hoops fans would take Wilshere at Parkhead, as he has 'dribbling skills' and is capable of 'taking the ball and running at defenders'.

The former Arsenal ace is without a club at the moment, so Celtic would be able to sign him outside of the transfer window.

The Latest: Whelan on Wilshere

Speaking to Football Insider, former Aberdeen striker and now BBC pundit Whelan has claimed that Wilshere would be a good signing for the Bhoys, so long as they can give him a pay-as-you-play deal. He stated:

“On a pay-as-you-play, you’re not really putting anything at risk.

“The only thing you are doing is maybe gaining a player that can stay fit and contribute to the team.

“We know what Jack is like as a player. When he’s fully fit, on his day, he’s a world-beater, there’s no doubt about that.

“I think the injury problems set him back. He never found his performances again because of the injuries. He’s been working really hard abroad, we know that, to get fit.

“If he is 100 per cent fit, Celtic need a player like that. If there is a pay-as-you-play opportunity for Jack, I think you’ve got to take it.

“At a big club like that, you’ve got to go in there and make sure that you stay fit and you’re putting performances.

“It could turn into something more permanent and it could be good for both player and club.

“But it all depends on the fitness. It all depends on Jack and those previous injuries that he’s suffered from.”

The Verdict: Sign

With no transfer fee involved, there would be little risk for Celtic in bringing in Wilshere as another decent squad option in the middle of the park. He has had a terrible injury record over the years, but on a pay-as-you-play contract, he could still have plenty to offer.

Wilshere is very experienced at the highest level, with many games played in both the Premier League and Champions League (Transfermarkt), and at 29 years of age, he still has energy in his legs to get around the pitch. Plus, as Whelan alluded to, he is not short of quality - indeed, a certain Dani Alves has likened him to Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The Englishman could also be a very useful presence to have in the dressing room, so the Hoops should definitely give strong consideration to taking him on board.

In other news, this Celtic ace is impressing in training