Dare I begin to hope that that was the sound of a new leaf being turned at Celtic Park yesterday in the case of Albian Ajeti? The Swiss/Albanian gentleman has been a disappointing under-performer so far, and that is putting it mildly.
I think I can recall him scoring a late goal against Dundee United early in the season last year, but apart from that, I have been scratching my head to recall anything else, and if someone told me that he was no longer at the club, I would not have been surprised.
He would have been well worth his place beside Derk Boerrigter and Stefan Scepovic in the Parkhead Valhalla of inglorious failures. I would even identify this phenomenon as one of the most frustrating aspects of watching Celtic, namely those who can play for other teams and produce the goods for them – but not for us!
And then up Albian pops yesterday and scores two goals for Celtic! And they were good goals, typical striker goals of just being in the right place at the right time, just like Joe McBride of long ago. So, Albian, now that we know you can do it, and now that you are free of the distractions of Odsonne Edouard, Patryk Klimala and Leigh Griffiths, you have your chance!
You have being quoted as saying that all you need is a run in the team, and you will produce the goods. Prove it! Let Ange give you a few games, at least until Kyogu’s knee heals up, and let us see you scoring the goals! Celtic are a team whose supporters thrive on goals. Become a Larsson demigod! The opportunity is there.
That aside, there was a certain amount to be happy about yesterday. There was still a great deal of fecklessness in the finishing department, and there is often the fear that they won’t score in spite of 95% of the pressure, but Jota looks good.
He has certainly said the right things about the club, and it looks as if he may be able to back it up, Joe Hart had one great save at a crucial stage of the game, and there was a general desire and appetite for the game which was not always there last season.
It must always be like this, Celtic – except we must take more chances! Love of the club and the tradition of fast, attacking football must be maintained. It remains an honour and a privilege to wear those green and white jerseys. There is no place on earth vaguely like a rocking Paradise. Make it rock, Albian!
David Potter
