Healthy competition: Neil Lennon says he will sign a replacement for Boruc to compete with Zaluska. Pic: © SNS Group
Lukasz Zaluska will be given the chance to challenge for the number one jersey vacated by Artur Boruc but will face new competition, Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said. Boruc has agreed a switch to Fiorentina, pending a medical, bringing to an end a five year stay at Parkhead.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s friendly match against Philadelphia Union, which Zaluska is likely to start, Lennon said he will be looking to sign a new goalkeeper with the funds raised from the Boruc sale.
“The club have intimated any money coming in will be reinvested in the squad,” he said.
"We have to look for a keeper now as well. I have a couple of targets in mind on that score.
"Lukasz has done very well and was impressive at the end of the season. He wants to be No1 and there's a bit of hunger about him [but] we still need competition there.”
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Lennon explained that Boruc had wanted a new challenge and that it made sense for Celtic to accept a bid for the player but paid tribute to the contribution the Pole had made in his time at Parkhead.
“Both [Stephen McManus and Boruc] had a year left on their contracts and it was difficult to keep them in those circumstances,” he said.
"We also got acceptable offers for both of them so we move on but Artur is a difficult one to replace.
"Keepers like him come along very rarely, but it's down to the individual. He felt that he needed a change after spending five years here. He has been a brilliant keeper, the best I have played with.”
Speculation has already begun over who Lennon has lined up to replace the colourful keeper. Coventry City stopper Kieren Westwood and Preston North End’s Andy Lonergan are rumoured to be on the manager’s wish-list.
