Albian Ajeti has been backed to shun his first season woes and fire on next season at Celtic Park, says ex-Premier League and Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan.
Whelan, 46, says Ajeti may not have had a chance to reconcile with the Celtic side had Neil Lennon stayed, due to his poor form last season; yet, given the Northern Irishman’s sacking and the subsequent appointment of Ange Postecoglou, the Swiss international now has a chance to reignite the fire that he showed at FC Basel, and become a key player in Celtic’s bid to reclaim the title that has been so rightly theirs following nine years of dominance.
“Then we see why Celtic paid the money.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “There’s a new manager, a new start. There’s a fresh slate for some players who haven’t been given opportunities.
“It wasn’t a great season for Ajeti or anyone at Celtic. Look at the points difference between first and second. Now they have a point to prove, prove you’re not that bad. Prove it won’t be another bad season.”
Ajeti has shown promise in the first two games of the Postecoglou tenure; having played Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic in the pre-season camp in Newport, the man signed from West Ham has scored in both – something which Celtic have greatly needed, following the reported links Odsonne Edouard has had away from the club and Leigh Griffiths’ current suspension from the club. With fans back in grounds as well, it promises to be the season where Ajeti makes his mark on Scottish football if he can fire under the more attacking style of Ange Postecoglou.
“Ajeti didn’t hit the ground running after a big-money move, he had expectations on his shoulders. It’s the perfect start for him. He’s had that season now, his second season is the season where he should shine”, said Whelan.
“Then we see why Celtic paid the money.”
