Chris Sutton comments on Steven Fletcher as Celtic reportedly open talks

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Chris Sutton has told the Daily Record podcast that Steven Fletcher is the “near-perfect replacement” for Odsonne Edouard at Celtic, if the Frenchman is in need of a rest or is unavailable to play.

Fletcher, 33, is a free agent after his contract at Sheffield Wednesday expired this summer. His contract was not renewed despite the 33-time Scotland international netting an impressive 13 goals in 27 Championship outings.

Celtic are after a striker as Neil Lennon looks to bring in cover for Edouard, alongside Patryk Klimala. Leigh Griffiths and Vakoun Bayo are being linked with the exit door, while Albian Ajeti and Ivan Toney have been linked.

But the Record have now claimed that Celtic have initiated early talks with Fletcher’s agents over a free move to Parkhead in the coming weeks – and Sutton reckons that Fletcher is the ideal signing for Celtic.

“I think he [Fletcher} is a good option,” Sutton said. “I’ve always rated him as a player, even from his early days at Hibs. I think he’s really developed, what I like about him is that he’ll nick goals but he is such a good team player.

“He is such a good vocal point, he’s so tidy. Good awareness. He knows he won’t play week in, week out. But if you want to give Edouard a rest, he is a near-perfect replacement. I don’t know what the hold up is.

“He is a really sensible option.”

TBR’s view – Could Fletcher partner Edouard in two-man attack?

Lennon fluttered between a one-man striker system and two up top last season, partnering Griffiths with Edouard towards the end of the season. But with Griffiths now likely to leave, could Fletcher be his replacement?

If that was to happen, Celtic would also need a centre-back. But there is no reason as to why Fletcher could be the last-man striker and allow Edouard the freedom to do what he likes in the final third.