Celtic should avoid going anywhere near Uche Ikpeazu of Hearts

Add as preferred source on Google

Chris Sutton last night suggested that Celtic make the move for Hearts’ Uche Ikpeazu.

The Jambos striker put in another powerful display at Firhill last night against Partick Thistle. Hearts may have drawn 1-1 in their Scottish Cup quarter-final clash, but Ikpeazu was a rock throughout it.

Celtic icon Sutton believes he could therefore do a job for Neil Lennon’s side. And last night, he told the Express that he believed the Hoops should be making a move for him.

“It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Celtic to make a move for Uche Ikpeazu as well as the big striker must be an absolute nightmare to play against.

“He’d bring a different option, that’s for sure.”

Absolutely not

It’s difficult as to where to start when it comes to why Celtic shouldn’t make a move for him, but let’s start with the obvious.

So far this season, the towering front-man has only scored four goals. Yes, he’s only featured on 16 occasions, but that averages a goal every four games. It’s hardly the ratio of a top centre-forward. Two of those four goals also came in the one match. Three of them, meanwhile, came against lower league opposition in the cups.

Then there’s the fact that Ikpeazu has only just recovered from a foot injury that kept him out for the best part of six months. He’s only made six appearances since his return from injury, and hasn’t scored a goal since.

Thirdly, there’s the fact that he wouldn’t suit Celtic’s style of football at all. He isn’t quick enough on a pitch like Parkhead, and uses his strength to bully defenders off the ball. He’s of a totally different style of striker to what Celtic require, and he certainly is more suited to Hearts’ aggressive, direct style.

If Celtic want to be competing in Europe, they have to be moving for players of a higher quality than Ikpeazu.

Sutton’s reason for wanting him simply seems to be because he’s big and powerful. He may be a nightmare to play against, but he’s yet to show he can be consistently unplayable.

Until that moment comes, it’s important Celtic don’t be too premature and make a move for him.