With Brendan Rodgers returning to Celtic, just Callum McGregor and James Forrest remain as players that were a big part of the 9IAR run which saw Celtic match their own record from 1974. This series will look at players that were easily forgotten during the 9IAR run. The next entry is Steven Mouyokolo.
With eight games in three seasons, Mouyokolo was signed on a free transfer from Wolves in the hope that the Frenchman could replicate the form shown in the Premier League with Hull City.
#throwbackthursday mouyokolo v kolo ha #22 pic.twitter.com/DoXm7bNThp
— Steven Mouyokolo (@Mouyokolo22) February 20, 2014
Mouyokolo’s injury concerns meant he was only given a one year deal but he was given his professional debut in a win over Aberdeen having featured in pre-season friendlies. Clearly Neil Lennon fancied him as a player as he put him together with Virgil Van Dijk for the crucial Champions League playoff versus Shakhtar Karagandy.
Following the 2-0 defeat to Karagandy, Mouyokolo suffered a ruptured Achilles and almost ending his season. He was out from August to April when he made a substitution appearance against Dundee United.
At the end of his contract, he departed having played two times in the Premiership as Celtic won 3IAR.
The Celtic Wiki has a quote from Mouyokolo following his departure in which he attributes his injuries as well as Neil Lennon’s departure to his decision to leave.
“I was great at the club, I got along great with everyone. I have finished the season after my injury. But the coach who brought me (Neil Lennon) is gone. I want a new challenge.”
Mouyokolo’s professional career appears to be over as he hasn’t had a team since leaving Celtic. A return to Wolves fell through as a result of the player unfortunately failing a medical.
