Patryk Klimala has yet to set the heather alight at Celtic, but he needs more than the odd Parkhead cameo.
Neil Lennon’s £3.5million January 2020 signing from Jagiellonia Bialystok has struggled for opportunities this year [Scottish Sun].
Indeed, whisper it quietly, but Patryk hasn’t been given a single 90-minute appearance all season. Instead, he’s been offered three starts and 19 substitute appearances in what’s been a season of frustration for the Poland under-21 international [Transfermarkt].
To add to the concerns, it’s not as if any of our strikers have been firing throughout the campaign. Odsonne Edouard’s run of eight goals in the last six matches is as good as anyone has come to decent form. Albian Ajeti only has six goals for the season. Leigh Griffiths has bagged seven.
Only Eddy looks like making 20 goals for the campaign, whilst Klimala has seldom been given a substantial run of opportunities.
Even during our most struggling period of the season – October to December – Klimala was barely trusted. Lennon gave him 40 minutes in three games over a 12-match period.
Patryk Klimala isn’t getting enough Celtic opportunities
In recent times, he’s found himself thrown on in random fashion once again. He was in for 20 minutes when Celtic were down a man vs Livingston in West Lothian. Then out again for games vs Hamilton and St Mirren. Back in for a lively 17 minutes against Kilmarnock. Out again when Motherwell came to Glasgow. Another 11-minute outing at St Mirren. Zero minutes on Sunday against St Johnstone.
Even with Ajeti fatigued and unable to start, Lennon chose to change the system instead of play Klimala as part of a two with Edouard. That’s despite the fact he’s match-fit and not done much wrong when given glimpses of an opportunity.
Celtic were 1-0 down at the hour mark at the weekend and Lennon turned to Griffiths instead. Klimala stayed on the bench despite being informed to warm-up. This is troubling for the Polish youngster, who would have every right to feel that his progress is stalling in Glasgow.
Back in August, Tam McManus stated Klimala should hand in a transfer request after being snubbed by Lennon despite being the only fit and available striker to face Ferencvaros. Whilst that’s going over the top, he deserves more than the odd cameo every two or three games.
If he isn’t going to be getting many more minutes between now and the summer, he’ll have to investigate. He’ll have to question whether next season will be the same and whether a loan move would suit him best.
But he’s been no poorer than most of his strike rivals this season. Hopefully, Lennon gives him the opportunities some of his rivals have had.
In other news, Dave Cormack has made a controversial decision before Aberdeen’s upcoming Celtic clash.
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