Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has lauded Albian Ajeti for taking his motivational half-time message on board yesterday.
Ajeti was one of many Hoops stars that endured a frustrating 45 minutes against Ross County at Parkhead. However, he came out in the second half to notch himself a brace with two well-taken headed efforts. Now, he looks the prime candidate to start against Real Betis on Thursday night.
There will still be some concerns from supporters with the Swiss striker’s overall performance. However, that didn’t stop plenty from hailing Ajeti after his Paradise display.
And Postecoglou was keen to shower his frontman with praise as he shot himself back into the spotlight for the first time this season.
Speaking to the BBC after the win, Postecoglou said: “It’s perseverance. He didn’t let the fact that he missed an opportunity, and there were a couple of other crosses he almost got to – it’s easy to drop your head, start chasing the ball and look for goals.
“The information we gave the whole group at half-time was to stick to our principles, keep hitting those areas that we know we can be dangerous in, and to Albian’s credit he did that.
“He got his rewards which I’m delighted about.”
Celtic rewards arrive for Ajeti ahead of packed schedule
There’s probably never been a better time in the season to make your mark as a Celtic striker. All of Ajeti’s striker rivals have either left the club, are injured, or are still building up their fitness levels.
For the Swiss forward, that means a massive opportunity has fallen to his feet. At the start of a massive seven-game phase for the football club, Ajeti has managed to be the standout in game one.
Sure, from the outside it was a routine-looking home match against Ross County. But put yourself in Ajeti’s shoes. A player who’s been highly criticised for his lack of impact since arriving. Finally, he’s getting his chance to shine, and if he fails to do so, it could be his final run for the club. It was a monumental match for his Celtic hopes yesterday, and he left the field with two goals.
He has every right to be delighted in him. More importantly, his manager is clearly satisfied with what he brought to the party too. If Ajeti can help Celtic through this current striker crisis, it’ll certainly put him in the manager’s good books.
What he’s at least showing is a desire. Nothing appears to be half-hearted from him at the moment. Taking the manager’s half-time advice also won’t do him any harm either.
All eyes then on Real Betis this Thursday – another chance for Ajeti to bolster his reputation amongst the Celtic support. He simply needs to take it.
In other news, Pat Bonner discusses what’s missing from Celtic performances
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
