It looks like Oliver Burke can wave goodbye to any hopes he has of game time ahead of James Forrest in his natural position.
That’s because Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy has been singing the praises of Scotland veteran Forrest.
The right-winger has had another productive campaign in green-and-white this season. So far, Forrest has managed to nab 21 goals for both club and country. He has started every game under Neil Lennon, and was brought through the academy by the Northern Irishman nearly 10 years ago.
Burke, meanwhile, has been struggling with the lone-striker role. He doesn’t have the technique to carry out the job effectively, with his most natural position surely down the right side. But, speaking about Forrest in the Record, Kennedy couldn’t speak highly enough of Burke’s rival.
“James has really come on in the last few seasons. He’s become a real integral part of the team. Under Neil he was terrific when he burst on the scene and had a great period. Under Ronny Deila not so much. But in Brendan’s time he really came on again.
“He’s given us some massive goals but as part of the team he’s really important to us. It comes from James as well to keep pushing himself, keep motivating himself. He has come through our system and knows what it is all about.”
Is there one more position Burke is suitable for?
So, to sum up, Burke can kiss goodbye to replacing Forrest by the sounds of it. He likely won’t have the opportunity to rival him down the right, and given the club’s tendency to play him up top, that doesn’t feel like changing.
The on-loan West Brom star clearly doesn’t have the quality to play in that position. But could he also be effective for the Hoops down the left-flank?
Scott Sinclair and Jonny Hayes have both failed to make that position their own. With Mikey Johnston also dropping back down to the reserves recently, it could provide Burke with a potential opening.
He featured on the left side for Scotland against Kazakhstan last month. Despite the absolute disaster of that contest, Burke did weave past his full-back relatively easily on occasion. In a shocking night for the Scots, he did start brightly down that side.
Therefore, shouldn’t Celtic give him the chance to show what he can do in that area of the pitch for us? After all, Kieran Tierney could clearly use some help down there, as we’re struggling to get the best out of him too.
Should Celtic give Burke a shot down the left? Are his chances of rivaling Forrest next to nothing? Let us know your verdict in the comments below.
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