Rafik Halliche travelled to Glasgow this week and performed well in a trial match for Celtic today. He's expected to get another run out for the Bhoys reserve team and if all continues to go well, to sign in January. Good to see FFC forming a bond with Celtic which could lead to Stokes moving the other way at the same time.
I'm not sure about Stokes. I know that I'm usually one of the people who bangs on about taking a chance on young transfer targets who won't break the bank, and that what I'm about to say goes against type, but... There have been a lot of strikers in recent years who score a sackful in Scotland and then fail to make any significant impact in England, even at Championship level. There are exceptions - Steven Fletcher at Wolves, although it took him a while to make the transition - but I'd be wary about us investing too much faith in Stokes. That said, I've not seen him play so I'm basing this on generalisations rather than an informed analysis of his abilities. No change there then!
He's got premiership eaperience and a decent pedigree, Captain. From an earlier thread - The 23 yr old striker (Stokes) has scored 22 times since signing (for Celtic) from Hibs last year (who he scored 22 goals for also). Started out in Arsenal reserves and after loan spells was transferred to Sunderland for £2m. Was their number 9 in the premiership before falling out with Roy Kean. Currently in the Republic of Ireland team.
Look at Henrik Larsson. He played in Scotland and was a deadly striker that United took on loan. I watched him in Europa (as did our scouts) and he is superb. A good all round player to put as a lone striker (Precisely what we need in a 4-2-3-1 formation)
Well, that sounds a bit more promising, although according to wikipedia his premiership experience brought 3 goals in 36 games. I'm not saying he isn't good enough, I'm just saying that he fits a pattern (prolific scorer from Scottish league) that has disappointed many English clubs in recent years. As FFC4L says, there have been notable exceptions, and if we sign him I will be very happy if he turns out to be another one!
I'm with FFC4L - let's get Larsson (oh bugger his about 45 now!) - but seriously, what a player - one of my favourites, but only when I'm reminded - he wasn't as lauded as he deserved in my opinion.
