Strahinja Pavlovic

He looks like when you create a defender on fifa, after messing with the jaw and the ears

 

Neil Lennon was down in Wales tonight on a scouting mission as he watched Partizan Belgrade's Serbian youth international Strahinja Pavlovic.

According to PA Sport , the Celtic manager was casting his eyes over the young centre-back, as they secured a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock-slayers Connah's Quay Nomads at the Belle Vue in Rhyl in their Europa League qualifier.

But Lennon will not have seen much from the 18-year-old, as he was barely test such was the huge amount of territory their opponents ceded.

In fact the defender was more prominent at the other end, forcing goalkeeper Lewis Brass into his one save of note in the first half, and confidently bringing the ball out of defence to start attacks.


Partizan, whose starting line-up contained seven senior internationals, finished third in the Serbian Super Liga, and have former Rangers loan flop Umar Sadiq in attack.


Pavlovic is currently contracted to the Serbian club until 2021, and predominantly plays at centre-back, but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder.

The towering figure, who measures in at 6ft 4in, has worked his way up through the youth ranks at Partizan, making his professional debut in February this year.


He has been previously tracked by Juventus, and was linked with a reported €5m move earlier this summer, but in the end nothing materialised from the interest.

One of his team-mates heaped praise on him, as Serbian international Milan Smiljanic praised the youngster's attitude and referred to him as a "leader" at just the tender age of 18.

He said: "There are few left-footed defenders like our Strahinja Pavlovic. Europe wants players like that.

He has all the qualities to do well, even if he has to work on himself. He has personality, determination, I like it a lot. He has a sense of position. I see him as a leader in the short term."

 

Sounds a good one..

Hendry out and him in

 

Feel a bit better now that the Record is running with it.

 

3 at the back with him Ajer and Jullien. Nobody will get past them.

 

I'm gonna stick my neck out and say he'd be a great signing.

 

KDS as well.

 

I was having a great day until you mentioned them.

Thanks so much.

 

Gir aff gotta be kidding with the angle of the photo.

He’s not gonna Get the £5 neck shave either.

 

Only see him coming in if Jozo leaves.

 

Ajer, Jullien, Jozo, Pavlovic, Bitton
???, Hatem
Tierney, Mbombo

 

Bring the Neck home.

 

Maybe he is seen as a defensive midfielder by Lenny? Monster of a guy.

 

17 you’re having a laugh

 

18.

 

Still...very young. Would prefer someone with a few miles already on the clock.

 

If we brought him in its a sign Lenny must be planning for 3 at the back

 

Jullien, Ajer, Pavlović and another (more experienced) centre-half would be ideal. Šimunović would do for now, but we should look to replace him by next summer.