In one of the small but noticeable occurances of the afternoon, Vakoun Issouf Bayo was back in the Celtic squad today.
It was his first ever squad appearance under Neil Lennon in four attempts. But, more pertinently, it was his first appearance in any of the last seven match-day squads in total.
Instead, he’s been dropped out of it for the likes of Ewan Henderson and Jack Hendry to name a couple over the last several weeks.
Despite his inclusion today, however, he didn’t make an appearance from the bench. He remains behind the likes of Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah up top as Odsonne Edouard’s replacement.
But this was a positive for him. It could be a promising sign that Lennon is set to give him some game-time when he gets the opportunity. If the likes of Scott Allan could be getting a chance, then surely Bayo comes into the equation too.
In recent weeks, Bayo has been plying his trade for the reserves. Helping the young Hoops shoot up to the top of the Reserve League has been helped by the striker’s towering presence, but Celtic fans have still to see anything substantial from him in the senior set-up.
Lennon didn’t turn to Bayo when in need
It was interesting to see that, despite needing a goal, Lennon didn’t bother even turning to Bayo. Not once did it appear that he was even warming-up throughout the game, which shows Lennon likely didn’t ever envisage turning to him either.
Celtic were forced into making a change when bringing off Kristoffer Ajer for Filip Benkovic. But even if they had that extra sub, it would’ve likely been Burke given his position in the squad.
For Bayo, he’ll likely have to wait until the league is won before being given a shot. But it’s a plus for him that he’s back amongst the senior squad in team selections once again.
Between now and that time in which Lennon turns to the Ivorian, he needs to keep pushing with the reserves. A few goals en route to the league title wouldn’t do him any damage with the second string.
But as for today, he can be pleased that Lennon is taking notice of his progress.
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