Oxlade-Chamberlain future & Celtic manager search

[BBC] BBC Sport Scotland reporter Kheredine Idessane has been answering some of your questions on Celtic. Nathan asked: Based on his performances so far, would you offer Oxlade-Chamberlain a longer-term contract at the end of the season? Kheredine answered: It's a little too early to tell, Nathan, but if you're pushing me for an answer right now, I'd say: yes but on one condition.

That condition being that you're not driving a coach and horses through the Parkhead wage structure to accommodate him. He has proven, albeit fleetingly, he can still be a matchwinner. His goal against St Mirren at the weekend and the very late one against Livingston on his debut were both pivotal.

The difference between six points and two. If you translate that to the current standings, but for the former Arsenal man's timely interventions, Celtic could easily be seven points adrift of Hearts and effectively out of the title race as opposed to within three and slap bang in contention. The other interesting thing about Oxlade-Chamberlain is his potential to improve.

The form he's showing now is after a lengthy spell without playing matches and simply training with Arsenal. With the second half of this season under his belt and a full pre-season, how much more effective might he be in a hooped jersey? He may also offer the possibility of being played further up the park.