There is little doubt that Celtic have the most committed, organised and active support across Ireland with supporters clubs leaving every county for the pilgrimage to home matches at Celtic Park.
With his contract expiring at the end of this season Celtic could take away some of the concerns by adding 12 months onto his current deal to eliminate that issue from his thoughts.
Dawson hasn’t been involved in any of the pre-season matches that Celtic’s B side have played and there hasn’t been any news from the player or Celtic about his rehab.
There are absolutely no guarantees but eight years Hart’s junior, if Liivakovic could repeat his World Cup form he could make the subtle difference that decides Champions League ties, the fine margins that Kenny Miller likes to hold onto.
Last Thursday Celtic were first linked with Nawrocki, later than day coverage of Legia’s pre-match media conference revealed that their highly rated central defender wouldn’t be involved in the opening league match at home to LSK Lodz.
Newcastle and Aston Villa had been expected to put in offers for Tierney but with just over a fortnight to go before the EPL kicks off no bids have yet been placed.
Their situation was no worse than that of Tony Ralston who was handed a 12-month ‘Just in case contract’, he took his chance, it never worked out for Shaw or Urhoghide.
If Livakovic is signed t won’t be with a view to his future sell on value it will be for the old fashioned notion of adding to the football team, making Celtic better, more successful.
Two years ago Postecoglou encountered similar issues with Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie, with a lack of alternatives both players were used extensively including in a Glasgow Derby just days before they got their moves to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Last season wasn’t the greatest for Forrest but he did score his 100th Celtic goal and was on the pitch at Hampden when the final whistle blew on the club’s eighth treble.