‘Can Celtic find a ‘Top Gun’ in Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu?’ asks Niall J after the suggestion was first made by former Celtic Star Chris Sutton…
When Chris Sutton talks it is usually worth cocking a lug in his general direction.
A fierce advocate of Scottish football he puts many of his Scottish media cohorts to shame with his superb promotion on the game in Scotland always accentuating the positive and always defensive when uneducated English commentators attempt to pass judgement. Step forward Robbie Savage.
Within Scotland he always given his tuppence worth on Celtic goings on and when we need criticism he’s sure to hand it out, but when we need supporting he often fights our corner. Something I like of the ex-Celt.
He somehow finds a balance between the Tom Boyd Celtic TV drivel approach and those of Charlie Nicholas and Davie Provan where negativity regarding Celtic has resulted in lucrative media careers.
You may not always agree with him but you certainly have a listen.
The big man was also one of the best target man ever to pull on the Hoops with legendary partnerships, predominately with Henrik Larsson but also with John Hartson.
In fact Henrik has stated categorically he was his favourite partner over his career. To use an analogy from 80’s movies, he was Goose to Henrik’s Maverick.
His most recent comment in his newspaper column involves Hearts Uche Ikpeazu and Chris feels the big man should be a Celtic target this summer.
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Celtic to make a move for Uche Ikpeazu as well as the big striker must be an absolute nightmare to play against. He’d bring a different option, that’s for sure.”
I’d tend to agree. 4 goals in 15 games doesn’t necessarily fill you with confidence but when you consider he was out with a serious injury for a large chunk of the season and is only now getting up to speed it’s not a bad return on a debut Scottish season.
What he does bring as we saw when Celts played at Tynecastle on Wednesday night is honest endeavour and work rate.
He covers every inch of ground and when it comes to individual battles he simply wins them. He also has the ability to get a team up the pitch when under the cosh. European away games may be made for him.
He also brings something we simply don’t have, an option for old fashioned cross balls.
When Neil Lennon was previously in charge balls into the box were a weapon we utilised well. Remember when Izzaguire used to fire em in? Well it’s an option we should return to our armoury.
As plan B’s go this is an option worth exploring.
When it comes to strikers’ Chris Sutton held it up, bullied and battled defenders he knows his craft.
Without doubt this season we have tried to pass and move teams into submission but it’s been occasionally found wanting. At Ibrox we were bullied and paid the price and Tynecastle we only just got away with it.
There would be much less chance of being out muscled with big Ikpeazu getting in defenders faces or in our box defending set pieces. I genuinely believe with the right service there are plenty of goals in the big man too.
Chris Sutton is right here and just like him there is a ‘Top Gun’ in Uche Ikpeazu.
Niall J
