Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti face the biggest night of their Celtic careers this evening when Midtjylland arrive at Parkhead.
The Neil Lennon-signed duo, who arrived last summer to much fanfare, both suffered from indidually poor campaigns.
Barkas was brought into be number one but lost his place twice in one season. Ajeti, meanwhile, ended his debut campaign with six goals to his name. Hardly what was expected of either man.
However, the Celtic fans have been willing to write last season off for both men. Everyone underperformed, so given the extra challenges Barkas and Ajeti faced in being new signings, they can be afforded some leeway.
Now, under new management, both men are looking to be reborn. And it’s fair to say both have started pre-season with a bit of confidence under their belts. Ajeti has two goals in four outings, whilst Barkas was highly impressive against Preston North End on Saturday – making several fine stops.
Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti can really kickstart their Celtic careers tonight
However, tonight, the real stuff starts. The first competitive match of the new season, and it has so much riding on it. Celtic will face Midtjylland in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
Barkas is almost certain to start after being the most impressive-looking goalkeeper in pre-season. If he can make some crucial stops tonight, it’ll be the biggest confidence booster he’ll have had in a Celtic jersey.
If it goes the other way and he continues to look uncertain whilst losing cheap goals, fans won’t have much patience after last season. There is colossal pressure on Barkas in particular tonight, but what an opportunity this is to really get the Celtic fans behind him and relaunch his career.
Ajeti may very well start on the bench should Postecoglou go with one up top. Should Odsonne Edouard be fit and available, he’ll have to start. But Albian will almost certainly get game-time.
If he can prove to be the difference-maker in a European tie, that’s exactly the springboard he needs to kick on at Parkhead. Again, if he fails to make any sort of impact, his lack of influence will again be highlighted.
Pre-season displays are all well and good. But tonight, Celtic’s renaissance men have to show they’re the real deal. Let’s see if they’re up to the task.
In other news: Erik Sviatchenko talks up Kristoffer Ajer influence as he reportedly nears Celtic exit
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