What Could Have Been – Celtic Edition

Ask any Celtic supporter to picture the last decade and you’ll find numerous treble parades, thunderous European nights, and, sadly, a long queue of star players who have left Parkhead. But, what if they had all stayed? Here at Football Park, we have assembled the best Celtic side still playing today - the team Ange, Brendan or Ronny could only have dreamt of all playing together.

Goalkeeper

Fraser Forster (Tottenham Hotspur)

He might be the back-up keeper at Spurs these days, but Forster’s 6-foot-7 frame and jaw-dropping reflexes still live rent-free in Celtic minds. Think Barcelona 2012, Lazio 2019 and a stack of Old Firm saves.

𝙊𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙖𝙮 🗓️

A lot has happened on this day for Celtic and here we look back at one moment in history on February 22 🍀

2⃣0⃣1⃣4⃣

⚽️ Hearts 0⃣-2⃣ Celtic

Fraser Forster breaks the record for most minutes without conceding a goal in Scottish league history 🧤 pic.twitter.com/BmsZBieAxk

— Celtic View (@CelticView) February 22, 2023

Back Four

RB – Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)

Celtic sold him for small change, and now he’s one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting wing-backs. Twenty-five goals or assists last season tells you all you need to know.

CB – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Signed for £2.6 million, became the best defender on the planet. Stick him in any team and he makes it look easy - ours included.

CB – Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford)

A Rolls-Royce in possession who swapped the East End for West London in 2021. At 27 he is entering his prime and has become the heartbeat of Brentford's back line.

LB – Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

The boyhood fan who lived the dream. Injuries have slowed him, but his pace and crunching tackles still make him one of Scotland’s standout defenders.

🚨 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘: Celtic have signed Kieran Tierney on a 5-year deal after his release from Arsenal.

(Source: @CelticFC) pic.twitter.com/Kl45ITjkjP

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 10, 2025

Midfield Three

CM – Stuart Armstrong (Sheffield Wednesday)

Forever popping up with long-range screamers. Smart movement, great engine - he pulls strings and scores goals.

CM – Ryan Christie (Bournemouth)

This bloke never stops running, and his energy and technical ability would slot beautifully alongside Stuart Armstrong’s craft and clever movement.

CAM – Tom Rogic (free agent)

Clubless right now, but the “Wizard of Oz” still owns the highlight reels. Remember his stoppage-time cup final winner in 2017? That knack for magic keeps him in this XI.

Pic before bed: Stuart Armstrong celebrates after his terrific equalising goal in the 2017 SCF at Hampden. It was vital that Celtic scored quickly that day to prevent the Dons from sitting in on their lead. pic.twitter.com/NE9tKeWxja

— St.Anthony (@Stephen4_2) December 15, 2020

Front Three

RW – Jota (Celtic)

Half rock star, half winger. A quick stint in Saudi, then back to Glasgow whipping in outrageous curlers and leaving full-backs dizzy.

ST – Moussa Dembélé (Al-Ettifaq)

Announced himself with an Old Firm hat-trick and still loves bullying centre-halves. Cool as ice from the spot, he’s our natural No 9.

LW – Odsonne Édouard (Crystal Palace)

Club-record purchase and sale for Celtic. Glides around like he’s playing in slippers, then buries chances before defenders even know he’s shot.

🟢🏟️🔵 | The away fans are FINALLY back for the Glasgow Derby, after Odsonne Édouard sent Rangers into meltdown, as they couldn’t handle Celtic celebrating constantly at their home ground… https://t.co/YqCx2yZOY2 pic.twitter.com/bb7WQllguz

— Scottish Football FC (@ScottishFootyFC) February 28, 2025