Reported Celtic summer target Thomas Henry struggling to find form with Venezia

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There was plenty of excitement when Celtic were linked to French striker Thomas Henry [Sun]. It was justified, too.

The marksman was on clinical form for OH Leuven in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. Even into this season, before his move to Serie A with Venezia. The striker scored 3 in the 4 final games he played for the Belgian side. In total, he found the net 45 times in 79 outings for OH Leuven, finding a teammate for an assist a further 12 times [Transfermarkt].

So far though, in Serie A, Henry has had a hard time adjusting. He’s only played a full 90 minutes on one occasion, scoring and assisting in a 2-1 win over Empoli.

That was his only goal for the Venetians thus far, though.

It’s not just a lack of goals that’s worrying, either. Henry is barely getting shots away in Serie A. So far, he’s averaging just 1.4 attempts on goal with his new team [WhoScored?].

Henry was picked out as a potential Odsonne Edouard replacement in the summer. A tall, physical striker with decent technique, his game could have easily translated to the Scottish game. However, he opted for Italy, and is still to really make his mark.

Celtic went with Eredivisie goal sensation Giorgos Giakoumakis instead. The Greek striker opened his account for the Bhoys on Saturday, with a well-taken finish against St Johnstone.

Thomas Henry could still prosper in Italy, but Celtic look to have made good choice

Players get off to slow starts all the time, it’s hardly unusual.

However, Venezia have acted a little strangely with Thomas Henry. He’s played well in wins against Empoli and Fiorentina, lasting either the entirety of the match, or thereabouts.

In other games, where Venezia have lost or drawn, he’s normally been taken off early, or used as a substitute [Transfermarkt]. It’s a strange one, but so was Giakoumakis’ entry into the Celtic team.

Either way, Celtic needed to bring in a striker of European quality. After a shoulder injury hampered the initial progress of Giakoumakis, his first home start delivered a goal. With the options Celtic have in attack, there’s obvious excitement.

Henry, meanwhile, will be hoping for bigger and better things after a tough start at Venezia. It’s hard not to wonder, though, what kind of impact he could’ve made in the Green and White.

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