Vakoun Issouf Bayo finally notched his first Celtic goal tonight in the 5-0 rout of Partick Thistle at Celtic Park.
The big Ivorian towered home a header from a Jonny Hayes cross. It was a typical Bayo goal as he used his aerial presence to good effect once again. It was also the reaction he needed after being sent off against Rennes last week.
However, on top of that, he also bagged his first assist. He set up Tom Rogic for the Hoops’ second goal of the evening as they racked up yet another handful of strikes.
Celtic fans, understandably, were quick to praise their new hero. Reacting to his display on social media, here’s a look at some of the fanfare:
https://twitter.com/_joesemple8/status/1176961271314493442
https://twitter.com/iksi1/status/1176960975448301569
A big step forward for the big man
Bayo’s goal tonight was his first official Celtic goal. That is unless Craig Levein comes out and tells us that it struck Christophe Berra on the way in. In all seriousness, however, it’s effectively his third given the role he played in the opening two. Even if they haven’t been counted, he still made them.
Bayo also took a step forward tonight in becoming our number two centre-forward. With Leigh Griffiths sidelined, the goal and assist looks great for the former Dunajska Streda striker.
With so many games coming up over the next couple of months, Bayo could be a real asset. But it was mainly important that he managed to get over his red card picked up in France. This performance tonight will do him a power of good in moving forward.
Nobody expects Bayo to start at Easter Road on Saturday of course. Celtic take the tricky trip to Leith needing to play their strongest XI in case of any big Hibs reaction.
Now, however, we all know that what we have in Bayo is a strong plan B. He’s a proper target-man, but he certainly knows where the goal is too.
Tonight was vindication for him that he belongs here and can compete at this level. It may have only been Partick Thistle, but considering it followed on from another impressive outing vs Hearts last month, Bayo can be thoroughly pleased with himself.
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