Neil Lennon explains Albian Ajeti Celtic benching; the reason sounds frustratingly familiar

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Neil Lennon has explained his reasons for benching Albian Ajeti for today’s Celtic match away to St Johnstone.

Ryan Christie was a surprise name in the starting line-up this morning, taking the place of the Swiss international.

Celtic have three strikers on the bench, but not one of them were trusted to start alongside Odsonne Edouard.

Lennon has now said Ajeti was ‘fatigued’ after Wednesday night’s match against St Mirren.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland before kick-off, he said: “I was really pleased with the second half on Wednesday. It was more like the team we can be and I hadn’t seen evidence of that for a while.

“Albian Ajeti is feeling a bit fatigued, so we go for a bit of rotation and Ryan Christie looked fresh and energetic when he came on the other night.

“We respect St Johnstone. I’ve always admired their mentality but I hope we take the game to them as best we can.”

Reason for Albian Ajeti Celtic benching sound familiar?

If you’re wondering why those comments from Lennon sound familiar, it’s because he used the same word to explain Ismaila Soro’s drop to the Celtic bench.

Soro played poorly in the game against St Mirren at Celtic Park, as did many first-team stars. Scott Brown subsequently came into the team. Lennon told reporters that the Ivorian was ‘struggling with a bit of fatigue’.

The midfielder hasn’t been seen in a starting line-up since though. Brown, 35, has now started four matches in a two-week period. No signs of fatigue from him, I suppose.

Time will tell whether Ajeti comes straight back into the team against Aberdeen or not.

Ultimately this is concerning in a number of ways. If fatigue is an issue, we have to question why and the player’s fitness. Ajeti is only 23 and had only started three matches, coming off in the second half in two of them.

If that’s not the true reason, it’s yet more tinkering from the manager that is denying opportunities to recent signings who we need to know have a future, or not, at the club.

In other news, Neil Lennon isn’t very happy with Jim Goodwin.