Celtic may be favourites to win the Scottish Premiership this term, but success is far guaranteed.
After drawing 1-1 against Kilmarnock on Sunday the Bhoys fell two points behind their rivals Rangers as the league campaign moved into its second week.
It's clearly very early days in the title race but that result will certainly have been a worry for supporters.
Neil Lennon has high hopes of securing a 10th title in a row, capping off a sublime decade of domination in the Scottish game.
However the Glasgow side will need to improve if they're to pull it off this year.
Much has been made of the club's need to strengthen in attacking areas, but according to 90min.com it's in central midfield where the side could soon be bolstered.
Crystal Palace ace James McCarthy is said to be a target for the Parkhead side after struggling to make a significant impact in his season at Selhurst Park.
It remains to be seen whether Roy Hodgson would look to offload the midfielder, but according to Michael Brown, the Republic Of Ireland midfielder would be an ideal addition for Lennon's side.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said: “I think he’s a brilliant footballer.
“I played in that Wigan side when he came and joined. He’s been at Palace, he’s had the odd injury here and there, but he’s played his part. He’s a very experienced player now from his time at Everton. When he came to Wigan he was a bit of an unknown from Hamilton Academical.
“I enjoyed seeing him develop. I’ve watched his career all the way through. He’s a great lad, great personality.
“It would be a hell of a signing if they could get him, that’s for sure.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
There's no doubt that signing James McCarthy would be a good move.
Celtic may have a number of central midfielders at the club already, but what the Republic Of Ireland midfielder would bring is unrivalled.
His experience, composure on the ball and ability to put in a tackle makes him a real all-round threat and that's something that Neil Lennon could hugely benefit from.
Add into that the fact that he's a Celtic fan and you begin to see why this move could be hugely beneficial for all parties.
It seems that Crystal Palace could be open to allowing the midfielder to leave and that means that a move could happen this summer.
But whether Neil Lennon sees the middle of the park as a key area to improve on remains to be seen.
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