THE LAST FEW WEEKS have been dominated with Celtic’s hunt for a striker. Albian Ajeti of West Ham United, Ivan Toney of Peterborough and free agent Steven Fletcher have all been linked but as of yet, there is nothing concrete for the club to show for the rumours. One man that is not letting the rumours bother him is Patryk Klimala. Speaking to the Scotsman, the 22-year-old is ready for the challenge ahead of him as he hopes his performances to continue to impress.
The Polish striker joined Neil Lennon’s side from Jagiellonia Białystok in January but failed to really make an instant impact as Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard’s red hot form fired Celtic to their 9th title amidst a global pandemic. However, since football returned, Klimala has shown himself to be hungry to impress, scoring three times in pre-season and netting in the 5-1 win over Hamilton.
“I don’t see any problems with that. I don’t know what I can tell you because I am in good shape, no problems, Celtic can take another striker. I don’t see the problem. I am in good shape, Odsonne is in good shape so it is difficult for others.”
The likeable striker is humble and hard working. He knows what it takes at the club, deciding against returning to Poland in order to focus on his fitness and English skills. He is content with the job that he did in the win against Hamilton, showing his poacher’s instinct to add to the scoresheet.
“I waited for my chance last week. I thought I would play more but Odsonne scored three, and if I could score three I would want to stay on the pitch. I am calm and waited for a long time in the league.”
“After the game the manager told me good job, well done.
“It is only one goal, it’s not 28 goals. I have only played eight minutes and I think it’s a little job. It’s nothing special.”
Bayo looks set to leave the club with a deal taking him to Ligue 2 side Toulouse. Odsonne Edouard remains the club’s talisman with Klimala and Griffiths playing supporting roles. Although one of the three mentioned targets will come in and compete.
Whether Griffiths will be one of the players that Klimala has to get ahead of remains to be seen. The 29-year-old was not in the squad for the win last weekend and Klimala’s goal may see him nudge ahead in Neil Lennon’s striking ranks.
