Celtic should give Mohamed Elyounoussi his debut at Hamilton

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Mohamed Elyounoussi’s Celtic debut should arrive this weekend at Hamilton.

The on-loan Southampton star arrived at Parkhead under the radar at the end of August. Given the fact it happened just days before a Glasgow derby clash with Rangers, you could see why not a lot was made of it at the time. There was bigger fish to fry.

But this is an absolutely stunning piece of loan business by Celtic. A player who Southampton valued at £16million (The Scotsman) just one year ago. A player who’s been a riveting success at Molde and Basel.

Before the game, there were suggestions from some in the support that they would like to see him feature against Rangers. It certainly would’ve been a stunning contest to make his debut in. However, Neil Lennon left him out of the squad altogether. With just 19 appearances last season, Elyounoussi hasn’t played too much football over the last 12 months.

But Saturday provides Celtic and Lennon with the ideal opportunity to throw him into the mix.

No reason for Mohamed Elyounoussi’s debut to be stalled

There’s pressure every time Celtic walk onto a football pitch. But if there’s one fixture in the division that should be relaxed enough for a debut, it’s this one. Celtic haven’t lost at New Douglas Park in their history, and have enjoyed victory after victory there in recent times.

Mikey Johnston has had to pull out of the Scotland under-21 squad last week, and most certainly doesn’t need to be risked on the astroturf surface.

Elyounoussi, however, has plenty to prove to the Celtic support. It would also be a decision that continues the feel-good factor around the club after Sunday’s win at Ibrox.

With the Europa League group stages also starting next week, it’s the ideal time to see what Elyounoussi has to offer. The former Basel star clearly has the ability to make an impact in the competition. However, giving him 90 minutes with his team-mates beforehand would be the right way to go about things.

He’s already told the media that he’s ready to play if selected (Celtic Twitter). There doesn’t appear to be any fitness issues that anyone’s aware of. Therefore, the green light should be given to him on Saturday.

It would certainly put the fear into the Accies back-line. But, more importantly, it would give the excited Celtic support the chance to see their new man in action.