Celtic beat Real Betis last night, but it came at a significant cost; Kyogo Furuhashi’s fitness.
Debates will rage on for weeks about the merits of bringing on Kyogo. The Japanese striker replaced Albian Ajeti, who picked up a knock early on last night. Kyogo was himself substituted off, to the horror of supporters.
The way things are at Celtic just now, I myself might pick up a hamstring tear from even writing this. But suffice it to say, there’s a real issue with strikers at the moment. It doesn’t look as if Ajeti, Kyogo or the already-absent Giorgos Giakoumakis will be for Motherwell on Sunday.
Hibs in the League Cup final next week is another question altogether.
This throws up an interesting, if maddening, dilemma for Ange Postecoglou. Supporters will argue it’s his fault, and whether there’s merit in that is your own call to make.
What now, though? With so many games coming up, who can Celtic turn to, in order to lead the attack? Will it require a change of tactics?
Let’s take a breath, then a look at who Postecoglou may be forced to call upon up front this month.
Owen Moffat could be temporary answer to Celtic striker woes
Given the focus on youth development, and the squad we saw last night, it’s not impossible to think that B Team star Owen Moffat could get the nod from Ange Postecoglou.
And why not? In terms of developing his game at a decent level, he’s done everything you’d hope for. In the SLFL, he’s already into double figures, scoring 11 thus far [SLFL]. Admittedly it was low stakes, but his efforts in pre-season would’ve had many tipping him for involvement this campaign.
No better time to make the leap than now. With no disrespect to the B Team, who give him ample opportunities, Moffat would benefit hugely from the experience and quality of the first-team players around him. Adept at taking opportunities in and out of the box, there’s something refreshingly old-school about the Celtic youngster.
There’s no real harm in giving it a try. Who was the last great striker Celtic produced, after all?
If there was a time to be a hero and make a name for yourself, this would be it. Moffat doesn’t seem to be the type of lad who’d led that pressure get to him. It could be the making of the young marksman.
Could Liel Abada slot in for Kyogo?
Liel Abada hasn’t been blazing the heather alight in recent weeks, but it’s worth remembering how well he started for Celtic. Just 19 when he moved, his contribution of 7 goals and 8 assists would still be impressive if he ended his season tomorrow, given his tender years.
There is an attribute worth considering about the Israeli international though. Last season, for Maccabi Petah Tikva, Abada was played 7 times on his own up front. He scored 4 [Transfermarkt].
In terms of realistic options in the first-team, it seems as if Abada is the best-equipped to immediately replace Kyogo.
He needs to sharpen up, of course, but in his limited experience as a centre-forward he’s banged in the goals. Maybe this is the most sensible option.
Will Mikey Johnston step in for Kyogo?
Hear me out: Mikey Johnston.
Ange Postecoglou is hamstrung for pure centre-forwards, no pun intended. But his system means that goals can come from everywhere. Look how impactful wingers and central midfielders have been for Celtic this season.
Bearing that in mind, Mikey Johnston might be the one who Ange turns to. Of course, we’ve seen Johnston in this role before, during a similarly unlucky striker-less spell.
For Johnston, it might not be so much about being an out-and-out scorer, but more what he can do to bring others into play. His off-ball movement can drag defenders out of position, while his running gives headaches in transition.
Probably not the most popular choice, sure. But it’s one Postecoglou may be forced into making.
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