Celtic manager Neil Lennon has once again claimed that the club have only had one striker available during his time in Glasgow.
Lennon was appointed in February on an interim basis. The success of gaining the Treble Treble was enough for him to ultimately be offered the job permanently too. His main forward during that time has been Odsonne Edouard, who has managed seven goals since Lennon came in the door.
If it hasn’t been the Frenchman, it was usually Oliver Burke up top. Fellow striker Timothy Weah, meanwhile, was always deployed on the left under Lennon.
And with Leigh Griffiths and Vakoun Issouf Bayo unavailable, Lennon has once again reiterated that Edouard has been the only striker available since he came in the door. Speaking in the Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 44, Page 20), Lenny again failed to acknowledge Weah’s attributes whilst praising Edouard.
“Odsonne’s carried the flame up front and he did it again brilliantly in the cup final. We’ve had one fit centre-forward since I’ve come in, and he’s only 21. He’s taken on that responsibility magnificently.
“Saturday was just another brilliant show from him in a big game. He’s put himself down in the annals of the club’s history. I like him as a player a lot. His temperament and his quality is fantastic.”
No argument on Eddy, but Weah signing looks unlikely
You won’t find many trying to argue a case against Edouard. He’s been a sensation this season, and is a huge part of why we secured eight-in-a-row. Key goals at key times in the season won’t be forgotten.
But Lennon has again seemingly chosen to forget the fact that he had Weah for so long yet decided to barely feature him. Why that was could depend on a number of things, but to say he’s had one fit striker is just plain wrong.
Weah’s natural position remains centre-forward. Lennon just didn’t decide to play him for whatever reason. According to Weah, he even told him to pack his bags ahead of a Glasgow derby match at Ibrox – a match we lost in weak fashion and could’ve used him. That came due to the fact that Weah chose to feature in the current under-20 World Cup for the USA.
Weah has himself opened up on the possibility of returning to Glasgow next season (The Scotsman). But the way Lennon speaks about the striking position and his lack of praise for Weah makes it seem unlikely.
Edouard continues to be Lennon’s main man. There have been no further reports of any interest from us in the USA international. Plenty of time yet, of course, but Lennon’s consistent comments about only having one striker (The Herald) doesn’t read well for Timo.
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