Could Maryan Shved be a striker for Celtic?

By Hamish Carton

June 11, 2019

Maryan Shved’s move to Celtic in January was greeted by a bizarre comment from former Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irishman was quizzed about a move for the Ukrainian and replied with a real put down comment.

With the benefit of hindsight, it now appears that Rodgers’ comments were more a reflection of a struggle going on in the Celtic boardroom than anything to do with Shved or the position he plays.

(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

That position has been understood to be on the wing ever since Rodgers made that remarkable statement. But could the Ukrainian youngster find his joy in an area even further up the pitch?

Could he play as a striker?

The 21-year-old played his final five matches for Karpaty Lviv as a striker. The Ukrainian top-flight side favoured a 4-4-1-1 formation and Shved quite often led the line.

The left-footer had joy up there too. Shved scored four goals in his five games up front, including a double against Vorskla.

It’s very difficult to know too much about Shved without seeing him play a full 90 minutes first. However, his video cameos do seem to show that he possesses the pace and level of finishing required to lead the line. Shved seems more like Leigh Griffiths than either of the other two strikers at the club.

(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

The youngster will probably start his time at Celtic on the wing but there are no guarantees he’ll force his way into the team. James Forrest has nailed down the right-wing spot in recent seasons and any incoming player will have to do a lot to displace him. Shved may have more luck trying elsewhere.