Celtic's Daryl Murphy says Liam Lawrence would be an excellent addition to the Glasgow club's squad if the Stoke City winger moves to Scotland.

Lawrence could be a replacement for Aiden McGeady should his Republic of Ireland team-mate complete a £9.5m move to Spartak Moscow.

Murphy, himself a summer signing, said: "I know Liam from my time at Sunderland. He's a very good player.

"He would give balance on the right side of midfield."

Murphy believes Lawrence would help with the scoring duties.

I am sure if Aiden makes that choice to join Spartak then it will be a good move for him Republic of Ireland winger Liam Lawrence

"He pops up with a lot of goals," said the striker. "If it was to come off, it would be a very good signing."

Meanwhile, Lawrence is having to play a waiting game while preparing for the start of the Premier League season in England with Stoke.

"Things have been said over the last two months that, if Aiden leaves, I am one of the people that they are interested in," he said of Celtic's interest.

"So we will just have to wait and see what happens in the next week or so.

Lawrence is waiting to hear of an approach from Celtic

"I'm at Stoke and I'm doing my best for Stoke. I have done well in pre-season and got my head down and, if nothing happens then I have three years left at Stoke and I'll just give all that I have got like I normally do."

McGeady had pulled out of the Republic's friendly with Argentina because of the transfer activity and Lawrence thought the switch to Russian football could benefit his countryman.

"Moving country is a big move for anybody, especially all the way to Moscow," added Lawrence.

"But they are a really big club and play Champions League football.

"So I am sure if Aiden makes that choice then it will be a good move for him, because it is a good club and it's playing at the highest level."

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