Frank McAvennie says he would get rid of Celtic star loved by Neil Lennon

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Frank McAvennie has told Open Goal that he would get rid of Celtic star Mikael Lustig this summer, with the Sweden defender’s contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Lennon signed 32-year-old Lustig during his first spell as Celtic manager, luring him to Parkhead from Norwegian giants Rosenborg in January 2012. He remains first choice at right-back, and is clearly admired by Lennon.

Lustig is one of three Celtic players to have played in all eight Scottish Premiership wins, along with Scott Brown and James Forrest. He has since clocked up an enormous 274 appearances, and has won 15 trophies with Celtic.

The Swede was dropped by Brendan Rodgers earlier in the season after Jeremy Toljan was signed from Borussia Dortmund, but the German has failed to impress.

“No,” McAvennie said, when asked if he would keep Lustig. “I think he’s been great for Celtic. He’s been outstanding, and when Lenny came back in he thinks he’s a centre forward.

“He has been taking free-kicks and playing up front, but I just think he’s getting by his best and Celtic need to bring youngsters in. It’s not a slate on Mikael, but I just think his time is up.”

TBR’s view

McAvennie is spot on. Now in the final weeks of his contract, Celtic have got to forget about offering Lustig a new deal as the Hoops need to bring in younger players.

A lot of Celtic’s side are beginning to get on. The likes of Craig Gordon, Scott Brown, Scott Sinclair, Jonny Hayes, Emilio Izaguirre, Dorus de Vries, Marvin Compper and indeed Lustig are all in their thirties.

A new, exciting young right-back should be signed, and Timothy Castagne has been linked with a move. He would be an excellent signing from Italian side Atalanta.