Ex-Celtic man's stellar season fires Norwich City into Premier League

By Euan Davidson

April 17, 2021

Ex-Celtic man Teemu Pukki has starred as Norwich City have made their return to the Premier League.

Brentford and Swansea failed to win over this weekend, leaving Daniel Farke’s side to secure automatic promotion [BBC]. A large part of the Canaries’ return to the top-flight was former Celt Teemu Pukki, whose 25 goals puts him second in the league’s scoring charts [Sky Sports]. The only name above him? Last summer’s Bhoys target Ivan Toney.

Formerly of Brondby and Schalke 04, Pukki showed glimpses of quality at Celtic. Ultimately, though, he could never make it work for the Bhoys. In his 38 Celtic appearances, he scored 8 goals. At Norwich City, however, Pukki has banged them in, averaging nearly a goal every other game [Transfermarkt].

Interestingly, from a Celtic perspective, they face Eddie Howe’s former side Bournemouth in tonight’s 8pm kick-off. Rather than a crunch tie, the Canaries can approach the match in celebratory mood, with their Finnish striker ready to add to his tally.

Former Celtic man Teemu Pukki / (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Ex-Celtic man Teemu Pukki can still help to set a Norwich City and Championship record en route to Premier League

While Reading’s record points total of 106 in a league campaign can’t be bettered, the Canaries can set a new tally for wins if they win all five of their remaining fixtures.

That’d quite the achievement, given the quality around them in the Championship. Still, Daniel Farke’s side, which also includes ex-Falkirk stopper Tim Krul, have been relentless.

Pukki, who was sold to Brondby in 2015 after a loan spell away from Celtic [Express], has been a surprise package for Norwich City since joining in 2018. A Finland international, Pukki had never scored over 20 goals in a campaign before joining the Norfolk side. He’d only reached double figures on three occasions; twice for Brondby and once for HJK Helsinki.

The late career renaissance continues unabated for the Finnish marksman. After making an impression in the Premier League before, he’ll been extremely keen to remind top-flight viewers of his qualities.

And all of this from a guy who just couldn’t get the job done for Celtic.

Football’s a funny old game.

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