As always, Scottish giants Celtic have been linked with an array of players in January and it’s left their supporters here in the Tavern extremely excited indeed.

Whilst things have been ticking along very nicely for the Bhoys in the league this campaign, the need to strengthen for European contests was highlighted with yet another poor Champions League group stage showing.

Albeit in a tough group, Celtic finished bottom which means for yet another season, European football ended at almost the first hurdle, which frustrated many of our local Celtic fans here in the pub.

But after being linked with some strong players already this January, we’d be curious to see what the eventual Celtic squad could look like when the window does eventually slam shut at the end of the month.

So with that in mind, here’s the potential Celtic XI come February 1st if transfer rumours are to be believed…

GK: Craig Gordon

In Craig Gordon and Dorus de Vries, Celtic have two goalkeepers that are more than capable of keeping clean sheets at this level of football.

Whether either are seriously good enough to stop the likes of Lionel Messi on the big stage is a little more unclear but right now, expect Gordon to remain between the sticks as the season continues.

RB: Cristian Gamboa

Costa Rican international Christian Gamboa was brought to Parkhead this summer from West Brom and whilst he’s not featured week-in, week-out for the Bhoys, he’s certainly proved to be a handy addition to the side.

With time, he’s the sort of player that could eventually be a first-choice selection at the club.

CB: Erik Sviatchenko

Erik Sviatchenko has been a mainstay in this Celtic side this season and his importance in the team seems to be increasing every week.

The Danish international has quickly become a favourite under Brendan Rodgers and his career continues to develop very nicely indeed, much to the delight of the Celtic punters here in the pub.

CB: Kolo Toure

Everyone’s favourite Toure brother is currently playing for Celtic in Scotland and there’s little chance of a man of his experience leaving the club anytime soon.

He worked with Brendan Rodgers during his time at Liverpool and is well liked in Scotland too.

LB: Hasan Ali

Celtic have been linked with a whole host of names this winter and one man whose name has been mentioned is Fenerbahce left-back Hasan Ali.

With Emilio Izaguirre getting no younger, the need to invest in a new left-sided defender is increasing and the Bhoys could certainly do far worse than the 27-year-old, who has been capped 16 times for Turkey.

RM: Darlington Nagbe

American star Darlington Nagbe was linked with a move to Parkhead earlier this window but it’s thought that the move broke down for a number of reasons.

But the winger-come-striker welcomed the interest in him and says he’d be more than open to a move to Scotland after being impressed by the atmosphere at Parkhead.

CM: Scott Brown

Scott Brown has long been the heartbeat of this Celtic midfield and whilst he still has quality on his side, we’re not expecting that to change anytime soon at all.

The burly midfielder takes no prisoners and is a real fans favourite here in the pub too.

CM: Stuart Armstrong

Stuart Armstrong has done well in recent months and his place in the side looks set in stone after some impressive performances.

He wasn’t a first choice at the start of the campaign but after impressing manager Brendan Rodgers, he’s now featuring more regularly by the week.

LM: Patrick Roberts

On-loan Manchester City starlet Patrick Roberts is flying for Celtic and you always get the impression that when he’s on the pitch, he’s got something up his sleeve.

He’s a seriously pacy customer and at this level, he can be the difference.

ST: Moussa Dembele

He’s been in serious demand this month and if Celtic can hang onto goal-scoring striker Moussa Dembele, they’ll be in very good stead for the beginning of next season.

The young forward has been in the form of his life and it’s great to see the Parkhead faithful finding another hero in which to place their trust. They must do everything in their power to keep hold of him going forward.

ST: Leigh Griffiths

Leigh Griffiths has been out for much of the campaign but when he’s back and in-form, there’s little doubt he’ll slot straight back into this Celtic side.

The former Hibernian man scored an astonishing amount of goals last season and if he can come even close to reproducing that sort of form Celtic might forget about losing Dembele, if someone makes the right offer.

Agree, Celtic fans? Let us know below!