Vakoun Issouf Bayo’s injury return was one of the low-profile moments of the weekend, but it could be vital for the Hoops.
In recent weeks, Neil Lennon has had to rotate between only Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard. Granted, the lone-striker system has made this easy enough for the Celtic manager, but he is still known to feature two strikers when he feels necessary.
For all we know, Lenny may have done it more often since the season began if he had options in reserve. However, with Bayo picking up an injury in pre-season, it robbed him of the luxury.
And as we romped to a 5-2 mauling of Motherwell at Fir Park yesterday, another big boost in addition to the result was Bayo’s inclusion in the squad.
It’s the first time he’s been selected in a competitive match all season. Even though he didn’t get off the bench, it’s clear he’s now ready to get back onto the pitch and fight for his place.
The Ivorian scored a fine goal in pre-season against Wiener Sport-Club. His last-minute winner was a timely boost for the Hoops at the time. But it was in that very match where he tweaked his hamstring and subsequently missed the first month of competitive action.
Saturday seems the right time to see Bayo’s injury return fully completed
It seems highly unlikely that Bayo features on Tuesday night against CFR Cluj. Odsonne Edouard was rested against Motherwell yesterday, and Neil Lennon’s eyes will surely be on starting him this week. Leigh Griffiths, meanwhile, you have to imagine would be first reserve.
But next Saturday, Celtic host Dunfermline Athletic as we kick-start yet another defence of the Betfred Cup. There’s no necessity to feature Edouard in that one. But it does look a good game for Bayo to get involved.
Surely that contest represents a great chance to see how Bayo and Griffiths combine with each other. The last time the duo played with each other, they both scored in the 2-1 pre-season win against Wiener.
It’s a partnership we’ve yet to seriously see over a consistent period, or at least in a competitive game. Dunfermline at Parkhead is as good a chance as we’ll have to see how the pair connect with each other.
But the fact is that Bayo’s return from injury now provides us with some proper depth up top. Lennon can easily feature two strikers without any concerns over having none available in reserve if one picks up an injury.
Should Edouard, Bayo, or Griffiths pick up another knock, however, we’ll still find ourselves in that same position. It remains to be seen if that leads to Lennon dipping back into the market for a fourth forward. But in any case, it’s great to see Bayo back – hopefully we can now start seeing why he’s so highly-rated.
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