Albian Ajeti may not have made the Celtic impact we all would’ve hoped, but he’s certainly earned his spot against Real Betis on Thursday.
Who could’ve possibly imagined that being the case even a fortnight ago? Ajeti looked like he was third choice at best. He’d only played just over 50 minutes of action in total this season.
Yesterday, however, he was thrown into the starting XI against Ross County. This was anything but a random decision from the manager. The truth is it was a case of needs must. Odsonne Edouard had left along with Leigh Griffiths on deadline day. Kyogo Furuhashi is out injured for the month, whilst Giorgos Giakoumakis wasn’t deemed ready to be thrown into contention.
Therefore, the onus landed on Ajeti as Celtic’s only fit striker to play against the Staggies. But he would make the most of it too with a second-half brace that secured a vital three points for the Hoops.
Momentum is key for Ange Postecoglou after a ropey month of results in August. But that factor just as important for Ajeti. It won’t be long before Kyogo is back or Giakoumakis is ready to stake his claim for a spot. In short, he needs as many goals and performances as possible to make him a viable contender when everyone is fit.
Albian Ajeti has done enough to start for Celtic in Betis
It’s now about rebuilding his stock. Ajeti hasn’t had anything to cheer about over the last 12 months. He’s had his false starts like his goal and performance away to Kilmarnock back in February. But that’s just the problem, false starts are as good as it’s gotten for the Swiss.
Yesterday’s brace against County had all the hallmarks of another one. It’s down to Ajeti now to prove how much he wants this. How much he wants to become an important Celtic striker under Ange Postecoglou.
One thing that was noticeable yesterday was the shape he was in. Never has Ajeti looked fitter or leaner. A sign perhaps of the effort he’s willing to put in to make it under the new boss. Or maybe just an indication of how hard Postecoglou is working these Celtic troops.
What Ajeti has now done is put himself in the driving seat to start against Betis. Even if Giakoumakis is fit, he hasn’t played a competitive game of football all season. If he’s ready, the bench is where Ange should be directing him.
And it’s fair to say the Celtic supporters were left appreciative of the effort put in by former West Ham man Ajeti yesterday. Here’s a look at the reaction to his display on Twitter:
In other news, It’s time to give Adam Montgomery his big Celtic opportunity in Spai
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