Celtic need to strengthen in a number of positions across the pitch. Centre-back is one of them, especially as Cameron Carter-Vickers continues to struggle to remain fit for any consistent length of time.

Considering the number of injuries that Carter-Vickers has dealt with in recent years, perhaps it is unrealistic to expect the centre-back to regain his peak performance levels.

Dane Murray has emerged as a real option in the heart of defence this season as well. But is he someone good enough to be a starter for Celtic?

If not, it might be worth exploring the transfer market when it reopens. In fact, rumours back in the summer had suggested that Celtic had made a late approach for a Japanese centre-back, although a move did not materialise. Could another move be on the cards in the winter?

The player in question is 23-year-old Japanese international centre-back, Junnosuke Suzuki. He currently plays for FC Copenhagen.

One of the standout centre-backs in the J-League, Suzuki's role at FC Copenhagen has not been the most consistent.

Lately, he has been left on the bench as an unused substitute a few times or used as an option to bring off the bench.

There were rumours late in the summer transfer window that Celtic had made an attempt to try and sign Suzuki.

If his role in Copenhagen does not improve, perhaps it could be a realistic move to try and pull off in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Suzuki has the kind of profile that has worked well for Celtic in the past. He has played 12 times for the Japan national team, including at the recent World Cup. He also has experience of European football from his time at Copenhagen.

So, the adjustment might not be as tough as it has been for some of the more recent Japanese signings Celtic have made.

Suzuki also has the ability to play both at centre-back and at right-back. That would be of particular help for Celtic, as Alistair Johnston continues to struggle with constant injury problems as well.

Obviously, one has to take a look at the potential risks as well. Suzuki is not a nailed-on starter for Copenhagen. One could argue that he has not met expectations there. The same could happen if Celtic end up signing him. But that is a risk the Hoops should be happy to take.