Michael Stewart questions decision to play Albian Ajeti vs Lille; Celtic proving Lennon right

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BBC Sportsound pundit Michael Stewart has questioned the decision to start Albian Ajeti for this evening’s clash between Lille and Celtic.

Ajeti was poor on Sunday in Celtic’s 3-3 draw with Aberdeen after starting and playing for 70 minutes. He was then hooked for Leigh Griffiths, who scored a wonder goal to haul the Hoops back into things.

But Lennon overlooked Griffiths tonight, who started the game on the bench along with fellow strikers Odsonne Edouard and Patryk Klimala.

The decision doesn’t come as a major surprise, especially with Lennon only going with one up top, but Stewart questioned Ajeti’s traits for the role he’s been given tonight.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound’s coverage of tonight’s game (BBC Radio Scotland, 17:45), Stewart said: “The issue is the energy, the athleticism from Ajeti. There are question marks about it without a doubt. He strikes me very much like a Tom Rogic character who needs a good run of games before he’s fully up to speed.

“He looks as if he could be a wonderful penalty box striker. Somebody who when the ball drops for him in the penalty box he’s got a natural instinct – first-time strikes invariably hitting the target.

“But is going to be able to play there up on his own? I think it’s very important that Christie, Elyounoussi and Ntcham are right up in touch with him and running beyond him. I’m not 100% convinced Ajeti is as capable of running beyond.”

Same questions would’ve been asked of Griffiths or Klimala

You can’t really criticise Lennon for this one. What else was he to do tonight? Sure it was a toss-up between Ajeti or Griffiths on current form, but it’s hardly a decision that needs to be focused on.

Had Lennon gone for Griffiths or even Klimala tonight, then the same question marks would’ve been asked. What Stewart is probably pointing to here is the fact that we’ve decided not to go for Edouard.

However, you can’t really blame Lennon for that decision either. Given Eddy has missed several weeks due to his recovery from Covid, it would’ve been a big ask to throw him in out of absolutely nowhere.

But let’s not forget that Ajeti actually has an assist tonight. It was his awareness and tenacity that won the ball high up the pitch for the opening goal. He then provided Jeremie Frimpong with the ball that would eventually lead to goal number two.

He’s more than proven his worth tonight, and has held the ball up well when required. Yes he’s had a few frustrating moments at times, but who wouldn’t playing in that role this evening?

Here’s hoping Ajeti and co can keep it up in the second 45.