Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo continued his fine form with a clever goal to send Toulouse into the last-32 of the French Cup at the expense of derby rivals Bordeaux.
The big Ivorian slotted home a clever finish to give the Ligue 2 outfit the lead. He managed to pop up with the crucial strike six minutes before the break. Toulouse would go on to win the game 2-0 as Janis Antiste added a second before the hour.
It’s another big step forward for Bayo, who has now hit a purple patch. The Brendan Rodgers signing bagged a goal and an assist against Grenoble last month. He then added to that with a winner against Niort in the French Cup second round only days later.
And today he’s managed to get himself back on the scoresheet as he continues to get more minutes. Before his goal against Grenoble, Bayo had gone 11 appearances without netting [Transfermarkt].
His strike today came in the fixture known as the Derby de la Garonne. The name was given due to the fact both Toulouse and Bordeaux play in cities that are along the Garonne river. You can see his effort below for yourself:
https://twitter.com/celtic_loanvids/status/1359515744787136512
Celtic will be watching closely; Bayo showing he has attributes with Toulouse
What’s even more impressive about Bayo’s performance and goal today is the fact it came against a top-10 Ligue 1 side. With Toulouse currently operating in Ligue 2, this was a huge win for them. Not only does it qualify them for the fourth round of the French Cup, they’ve managed to go away from home to a team in the league above them and progress.
Bayo played a massive part in that. And it’s clear the big striker is earning greater trust from his manager. After making cameos against Auxerre and Troyes in recent games, Bayo was back in the starting line-up for the derby.
It’s yet another boost for the big Ivorian as he returns to form. Celtic boss Neil Lennon will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on his progress, and he must be impressed with some of his recent work.
Considering Celtic have had so many misfiring strikers this season, there could be an opportunity there for Vakoun in the summer. With Odsonne Edouard highly likely to depart, and Leigh Griffiths, Patryk Klimala, and Albian Ajeti all struggling for form, why shouldn’t Bayo be considered? Why shouldn’t he be given an opportunity in pre-season?
He seems to have turned his form around in France. Of course, finishing strongly must now be his main aim. Keeping the positive press coming and getting himself on regular scoresheets remains essential.
Today was yet another step forward for him.
In other news, the Celtic fans have hailed St Mirren after their midday update today.
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