NET GAIN NEEDED

Striking dilemma for Nancy as he seeks to help Hoops score

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

IT'S been a rough few years for farmers, but they can relax when Celtic are around.

The Hoops have struggled to hit a barn door at times this term, while the cows’ backsides have been spared any banjos.

Wilfried Nancy is having to plough on, but the manager is well aware his squad could do with a few pairs of shooting boots under the Christmas tree this week.

Most gaffers would be thrilled with three goals and 31 shots on goal, and the Frenchman was pleased with the performance and outcome in Sunday's victory against Aberdeen.

But Celtic's blunt front made it a far more stressful afternoon than it needed to be, as 7-1 wouldn't have flattered.

Likewise at Dundee United, the Hoops could have been out of sight by halftime, only to buckle at the back after Jim Goodwin's Terrors were let off the hook.

It's obvious Nancy is crying out for a top-class poacher and Celtic are suffering for seeing a whack of goals head out the building over the last 12 months with Kyogo Furuhashi, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn all departing.

But the Parkhead boss will have to be patient while he waits for reinforcements — and hope his attackers sharpen up.