Oliver Burke’s debut was ultimately a success, but it still has many Celtic supporters split on his quality.
The on-loan West Bromwich Albion man made a positive start to life at Celtic in general. The Hoops sealed progression to the last-16 of the Scottish Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Airdrie.
Burke was given the chance to play up front on the day, despite the fact he’s primarily a right-winger. He failed to get on the scoresheet, but was the catalyst for one goal and another that should’ve stood despite being chopped off.
Supporters on Twitter, however, are mixed regarding how well he did. Here, we take a look at some of the reaction to the loan star’s debut.
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https://twitter.com/queenmachine67/status/1086708951809486854
https://twitter.com/roonye77/status/1086795300826697734
https://twitter.com/Celtic_Lisboa/status/1086702793237368833
Can only be judged when played in his natural position
For us, we believe that Burke has plenty of convincing to do, but can only be judged when played in his natural position.
Yesterday’s performance was just his third outing in over three months. He needs time to build up his match-sharpness, and he still showed plenty of positives despite the poor finishing on occasion.
The difficulty for Burke, however, is getting into his favoured position. It’s currently occupied by James Forrest, who’s scored 16 goals and made 39 appearances this season for club and country. He’s essential to how Celtic play, and therefore getting Burke in there ahead of him will be extremely tricky.
Even down the left where Burke is also comfortable, Brendan Rodgers continues to select Scott Sinclair. The Englishman bagged a brace yesterday, following on from his hat-trick picked up at Pittodrie on Boxing Day. With a dreadful display against Rangers sandwiched in between, he still has five goals in three games. Rodgers won’t drop him.
Perhaps this is why Burke started up front. But with Timothy Weah nabbing a goal on his debut, and Odsonne Edouard likely to come right back into the side, Burke shouldn’t hang his hat on more chances to lead the line.
Whatever Rodgers’ plans are for him, it was hardly the worst start he made yesterday. Celtic have some huge games coming up, and Burke will be used frequently one way or another.