Celtic fans in the Transfer Tavern are preparing for a 7,000-mile round trip to Armenia after their Champions League qualifier opponent was revealed.
The Hoops will face Armenian champions Alashkurt away from home on July 11 before welcoming the Premier League champions to Celtic Park a week later. Brendan Rodgers is looking to guide his side to their third successive group stage in the competition. A win over the minnows would set up a clash with either Valur Reykjavik of Iceland or Rosenborg of Norway.
Our regulars are desperate to see the former Liverpool boss complete some signings before making the trip across Europe. If Celtic are to avoid another early exit, reinforcements are needed. Right-back will be an area of concern following inconsistent performances from both Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa last season.
One man Rodgers should look to sign is West Ham outcast – Sam Byram. Valued at £3.6m by Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old arrived from Leeds in January 2016 and was tipped to become one of the country’s best. However, the move has not gone to plan with Byram making just five appearances in the Premier League last season. To make matters worse, the arrival of Ryan Fredericks from Fulham will push him further down the pecking order.
Celtic should look take advantage and lure him to Scotland. Byram needs a change of environment to rediscover his best form, and the Scottish Premiership would be perfect.
Celtic fans, thoughts?
