With no recognised strikers, lack of recall for Celtic striker Jonathan Afolabi seems odd

Celtic loanee Jonathan Afolabi is making waves on the east coast.

With Dundee, in the Championship, the Irishman’s form is picking up. Not only is he saving the club from an embarrassing Scottish Cup exit (BBC), he’s also beating Craig Gordon from 12 yards out (The Courier).

Granted, he’s playing in a tier below Celtic. At the time, loaning him out made perfect sense in the context of a “normal” season, especially to a club lower in the SPFL. With a good run, he would be able to build confidence and add to his career tally. So far, so good in both departments.

This isn’t a normal season though. Especially where Celtic are concerned. Lacking a recognised striker, the Bhoys are decimated in a department where, two weeks ago, we were overstocked. That’s through the club’s own ridiculous decision making, which yielded incredibly predictable results.

With the likes of Ross Doohan and Scott Robertson having their loan deals cut short amidst the chaos, some have wondered why Celtic haven’t recalled any strikers, particularly Bayo and Afolabi.

While Bayo hasn’t impressed on loan with Toulouse, Afolabi is a youngster that the fans are keen on. Given the spirit of panic around the club just now, it’s a little surprising to see the Irish youth international still under the watchful eye of James McPake.

Celtic loanee Jonathan Afolabi celebrates a Dundee goal / (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Celtic supporters want Jonathan Afolabi to lead the line

The ever-astute Bhoys faithful made their Afolabi wishes clear on social media. Points are very much needed against Livingston, with a double-header quickly approaching.

I’ll be surprised if Celtic don’t recall Jonathan Afolabi from his loan at Dundee.

With all 4 strikers out & Afolabi playing senior football for a couple seasons I do think he’d do a better job than Harper. That’s no insult on Harper, he’s just young & not used to senior level. pic.twitter.com/MHsZEff9bh

— Celtic Thoughts (@celtic_thoughts) January 12, 2021

Afolabi should have been the first to be recalled!! Just having an out and out target man would have gave us more of a threat up top

— Mr Hoops (@UpdatesCeltic) January 12, 2021

Recall Afolabi for Saturday, we didn’t have any real notion of a centre forward last night and he’s somebody I think could break through at Parkhead if given the chance

— Seán Markus Clifford (@seanmarkus_67) January 12, 2021

Correct decision to recall Robertson and Doohan, who should both start Saturday, with the limited depth in goals and in midfield. Strange how we haven’t recalled Bayo or Afolabi yet though, when we’re forced to have Harper, Oko-flex dembele and Johnston as makeshift strikers

— jamie (@Lord_Bitton67) January 12, 2021

I’d like to see us recall Afolabi

— 🍀 (@MG67_) January 11, 2021

Can’t #celticfc recall Afolabi?

— Steven Patrick McNamara (@Stevie_Mac_11) January 11, 2021