Lincoln City should sign Bohemians defender now to avoid potential bidding war | OneFootball

Another centre-back would not go amiss for Lincoln City.

While Lincoln City seem to be focusing their attention on securing an attacker this January, another centre-back would not go amiss.

The Imps have a few gaps in their defence, and squad depth in that department is not on their side.

Lincoln City need defensive depth

With only captain Paudie O’Connor, Sean Roughan, Adam Jackson, and recently re-signed Dutchman Lewis Montsma, as front-line centre-backs, Lincoln need another.

Michael Skubala usually employs a back five, with three of those four defenders taking the central slots. Injuries and suspensions have left the former Leeds United caretaker boss needing to rely on make-shift options at the heart of defence, such as wing-back Tendayi Darikwa.

The Republic of Ireland has been a happy hunting ground for City in their recruitment over recent years, with players going in both directions to and from Lincolnshire and the other side of the Irish Sea.

League of Ireland (LOI) expert and Irish Football Blog founder, Bill Gaine, has weighed in with a recommendation for the Imps, should they dip their toe back into that market.

Cian Byrne, the 21-year-old Bohemians youth product, comes with plenty of praise. Gaine described him as a solid selection for the Imps, after two seasons with the club and a prior loan stint at Longford Town in the Irish second tier.

He explained: “Cian has over 60 senior games to his name, and can do a job at right-back and defensive midfield, as well as his usual position.

“He played his part for Bohemians towards the end of last season and their upturn in form.

“His contract situation is unclear, but he would command a minimal fee at best, and could even be bought on a free transfer.”

Lincoln usually opt to spend their money and time on younger players, being able to build them up to the next level and reap a profit for their eventual sales.

Imps should dip into the League of Ireland market

To find their latest gem, Lincoln should go hunting back in the League of Ireland. And, in doing so, Byrne would be a good addition for Lincoln, though they may need to move swiftly.

Gaine said: “If I was looking at players to bring from the League of Ireland into the EFL, the profile of the player is paramount. If it’s an under-23s player with over 50 senior games, then it’s someone who could be a player.

“But, if you’re buying a player in their prime in the LOI, they’re likely not worth the gamble.”

Other clubs at Lincoln’s level could come looking for Byrne in future windows. He is a talented centre-back, and, despite his youth, has a vast number of games under his belt already.

A bidding war may well ensue if City wait too long to pounce on a young Irish talent who should be high on their list of potential defensive recruits this January.