Celtic’s 2-1 Scottish Cup win over Partick Thistle was notable for a few reasons. Neil Lennon played two strikers – Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard – in a break from the norm.
Hoops new Bhoy Patryk Klimala made his debut, and Jozo Simunovic made his return from injury.
However, perhaps the most significant moment occurred in the 85th minute, when Daniel Arzani replaced Tom Rogic.
What was so significant about that five minute cameo is that it was Arzani’s first appearance for the Hoops since he suffered an ACL injury against Dundee in October 2018.
That was Arzani’s only appearance for the Hoops so far, but after a long wait, he is finally fit once more.
Arzani was very highly-rated before he arrived at the club on a two-year loan deal from Manchester City. It shouldn’t be forgotten about that he was the youngest player to perform at the last World Cup.
Loan move hasn’t really got going
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His loan move at Celtic hasn’t really got going so far. That could change between now and the end of the season.
Arzani really could be like a new signing for the Hoops. So little has he played for Celtic that he can add new qualities to the side.
What is also interesting is that his deal with Celtic expires at the end of the season. If he wants to stay with the Hoops for another season maybe, he will have to perform well until the end of the season.
Return can benefit both player and club
That could benefit both the player and the club.
Arzani can perform so well that he gets a new loan deal with Celtic, and if he helps the Hoops win the league it is good for the club.
Perhaps we shouldn’t expect that much of Arzani as he has been out of action for so long.
However, the fact that Neil Lennon selected him to feature against Partick indicates that he could have a role to play until the end of the season.