Vakoun Bayo plays for Toulouse after over a month out; Celtic striker must now find form

By David Walton

November 22, 2020

Celtic-owned striker Vakoun Bayo has finally returned to action after over a month out of the first-team picture.

The Ivorian returned to training last week after he suffered a nasty thigh tear in October (La Depeche). It came at a shocking time for the former Dunajska Streda man, who had gone five games without a goal and had been looking to get back on the goalscoring trail once again.

However, the set-back only lasted for three matches. Bayo missed games against Rodez, Amiens, and Valenciennes respectively. Toulouse managed six points out of nine in those games too.

And yesterday, Bayo finally made his return after coming on against Chambly as a 72nd-minute substitute.

The striker’s influence on the game was minimal unfortunately, but given he had been out for a substantial period, you can forgive the lack of fireworks.

Bayo needs to find some form

It sounds harsh to say, but Bayo really needs to avoid injuries this season regardless of how unfortunate they are.

This is the season that could be the start of something for him as either a Celtic or Toulouse player. Should he do well, there’s a fair chance that the French outfit will tie him up permanently given they have an option to buy (The Herald).

However, Celtic need to monitor his progress closely this term, as he still represents the kind of striker we still don’t have at the club. An aerial threat and physical specimen who can hold the ball up and play the target man role. That’s what Bayo is all about.

Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo celebrates a goal (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Should Toulouse decide not to take up the option, it gives Bayo another chance at Lennoxtown. But the only way he’s going to be given that opportunity is if he can get into double-figures on the goal front and bag a consistent run of games.

Signed by Brendan Rodgers back in January 2018, Bayo hasn’t had a consistent run of form since. Instead, he’s mostly been resigned to the bench or not even as part of the matchday squad at all.

This season is his time to shine, and thus his return to action must be looked upon as a chance for him to hit the reset button. Time will tell as to whether he makes the most of this glorious opportunity.

In other news, Neil Lennon must seriously be regretting his ludicrous October comments.