Celtic interim boss John Kennedy has been discussing his striking options ahead of Sunday’s match away to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
With Odsonne Edouard likely leaving the club this summer, there’s some thinking out there that it could be worth giving Albian Ajeti or Leigh Griffiths some much-needed game time against an outfit we’ll have to find a way to perform consistently against next season.
Ajeti especially could do with some minutes on the pitch against Rangers. He’s the player who has the best shot of being a go-to striking choice at the club next term, despite his problems this season.
He’s actually been struggling with an injury problem of late and wasn’t on the bench against Aberdeen last week. However, the Swiss striker is in line to play this weekend.
So is Griffiths, who Kennedy talked more extensively about in his press conference today. The Scotland international bailed Celtic out against the Dons at Pittodrie, netting an equaliser with seconds remaining in the match.
Kennedy admits it’s given him something to think about for the trip to Ibrox.
The interim boss told reporters [YouTube]: “It was good to see Griffiths in that moment [against Aberdeen], late in the game. That’s where he’s at his best, in and around the box.
“Odsonne is still our top goalscorer. He’s maybe not hit the levels he has in other seasons but he’s still a very important player for us.
“We’ve got Albian there as well. They’ve all trained well this week. It certainly gives you food for thought when a striker scores. We’ll just have to decide in the next day or so what’s the best mix for this game.”
Griffiths & Ajeti likely to be on Celtic bench still
Despite his options, it would be a major surprise if Kennedy changed things up and decided to go with anyone other than Edouard this weekend.
Yes, he’s not been as clinical as we’d like of late, but he’s still a player who can hit heights beyond anyone else in the Celtic squad.
Griffiths and Ajeti are viable substitute options and the interim boss shouldn’t be shy in using them if it looks like Edouard is having another off day.
However, the Frenchman still presents our best route to victory against Rangers.
In other news, Mikey Johnston is closing in on a Celtic return.
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