Neil Lennon doesn't rule out Celtic debut for Mohamed Elyounoussi

By John Reid

September 14, 2019

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has not ruled out handing recent Hoops loan signing Mohamed Elyounoussi a debut against Hamilton on Saturday.

Lennon has revealed that the on-loan Southampton player could take the place of Mikey Johnston in the side. Johnston will miss the game with a groin strain.

“With Michael being out, who has been our starting left-sided winger, Mo has got a chance of being in contention for a starting place” Lennon said, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Celtic boss also commented on the work he and his coaching staff are set to put in to ensure that Elyounoussi gets back to his best after his spell with Southampton didn’t really work out.

“A quality player”

(Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

“He’s a quality player. He lost his way a little bit but you never lose the ability. It’s up to me and my staff to tap into that again.”

If the Hoops can get Elyounoussi on form, he could prove to be an excellent signing for the club. He can play in a variety of attacking positions, which is always a bonus.

Hoops have first-hand experience of player’s abilities

(Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

Celtic have first-hand experience of just how good a player Elyounoussi can be. He scored for former club Molde in two Europa League group stage matches against the Hoops in 2015.

If he can recapture the form that he showed in those games, and that won him moves to first Basel then Southampton, then Elyounoussi will be a key man for the Hoops.

He needs to kickstart his career after his unsuccessful move to Southampton. A move to Celtic could be the ideal way to get back on track.