Opinion – Abada showed that right wing spot is his to lose

Liel Abada yesterday showed that the right wing spot in Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI is his to lose…

Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Liel Abada attempts a shot on goal during the Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on Sunday January 21, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

Liel Abada was named in the starting line up for the first time in four months yesterday and he certainly didn’t disappoint. He has been sidelined after picking up an injury while away on International duty last September and made his long awaited comeback as a substitute in the win over theRangers at the end of December 2023.

He followed that up with an another appearance off the bench against St Mirren and yesterday he was as expected named in Brendan Rodgers starting XI.

Liel didn’t look out of place and was lively from the start. He more than made his presence felt, with his fine display. Indeed he grabbed an assist by providing Kyogo with the opportunity of scoring which he expertly finished for the third goal. It was just like old times. Abada on the wing and Kyogo doing his thing.

Liel himself even had a few chances of grabbing a goal. Something he should have perhaps done, but we can cut him some slack as he’s just getting back to full match sharpness and that goalscoring instinct will naturally sharpen with more matches played.

But Liel, in my view, showed to everyone that that right hand spot is his to lose. He’s the best we have in that position and for me he starts when fit, it’s as simple as that. Yesterday’s run out will have done his fitness and confidence the world of good. It will only benefit both the club and player going forward.

Liel Abada was also loudly cheered by the Celtic supporters in the stadium when he was substituted, something trouble-makers in the media probably won’t report on as they prefer to stir up controversies that always seem to negatively impact or show Celtic unfairly in a bad light as was the case, for example with Tom English, who could perhaps explain the photograph show below…