Neil Lennon explains Griffiths absence; provides update on potential Celtic exit for Bayo

By John McGinley

August 2, 2020

Celtic manager Neil Lennon doesn’t have any knowledge of St Mirren’s interest in signing Vakoun Bayo on loan this summer, BBC Scotland reports (live match page, 16:13).

Bayo has been missing from pre-season friendlies and again today was absent for the first Scottish Premiership game of the season against Hamilton.

As we discussed earlier, the Buddies are said to be keen on signing up the 2019 arrival.

Lennon wouldn’t go into that but he has acknowledged a loan move could be on the cards.

He told BBC Scotland: “I’m not aware of that interest, but it’s something we may look at. First things first, we need to get Vakoun fit and take it from there.”

The Bhoys boss has also explained that striker Leigh Griffiths wasn’t in his match squad today because he’s picked up a training injury.

As quoted by BBC Scotland, he said: “He [Griffiths] would’ve been in the squad, but he rolled his ankle yesterday. He’s going to do a little bit of rehab over the next couple of days, but he should be okay for next weekend.”

There was a definite curiosity when the team against Accies was announced earlier this afternoon, with no sign of Griffiths at all, even on the bench.

Thankfully though there’s no fresh drama on this front and it won’t be too long before the Scotland international is back in contention.

As for Bayo, a loan this season sounds perfect for all parties.

Vakoun Bayo celebrates a Celtic goal / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

To date he hasn’t shown enough to suggest he can make a big impact on the push for ten-in-a-row and his departure could free up space to make a quality attacking signing.

It would also allow Bayo to get games in Scotland under his belt and return to Celtic Park more ready to compete.

There has been strong interest in Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney of late, with the next 72 hours said to be crucial to a potential deal.

In other news, Arsenal fans have been flocking to an official Celtic post after yesterday’s FA Cup Final.