NEIL LENNON gave a straight answer to a question today about Boli Bolingoli’s recent omission from his Celtic sides since the return from the winter break. And as a result of the answer today from the Celtic manager, it would appear that the £3million summer signing from Rapid Vienna is carrying the can for the defeat against the Rangers on 29 December at Celtic Park.
Bolingoli did not have a good game against the Rangers but then again if you follow that logic then the two wingers, Mikey Johnston and James Forrest would also have left out in the cold as the action got going again after a three week break which of course included a trip to Dubai.
In the four games since then the left hand side of defence – whether playing left back or wing back – has been shared between Jonny Hayes and Greg Taylor, both having played twice. Yet Bolingoli has yet to appear in 2020, despite the relatively large transfer fee that Celtic shelled out.
Lennon confirmed that Bolingoli was currently “taking some time out of the squad to find his best form”.
On Jeremie Frimpong, who was hacked down by an Alan Power challenge at Rugby Park last midweek, the Celtic manager was more guarded in his reply, saying that he still doesn’t know when he’ll be back as his test results are not yet in. When Frimpong was carried off on a stretcher it looks bad, but Lennon was keen to provide positive news saying that it was just bruising and that the popular right wing back would be back soon. That prognosis seems more like wishful thinking now and it’s unlikely to say the least that Frimpong will be ready for Sunday’s trip to Hamilton.
Lennon was highly impressed with the performance of Greg Taylor last night and surely he’s done enough to have earned an extended run in the team, with Jonny Hayes as an able back-up. On the right James Forrest is happy enough playing as a wing-back last night so that looks like the way ahead.
“Last night was so pleasing, we were breathtaking at times. It was fantastic to watch and I don’t think anyone can have complaints with that performance,” Lenny said.
“Against St Johnstone, we played with zest, quality, we had a great attitude, and we scored good goals. I was delighted with Greg Taylor’s performance too, and he should be delighted with his performance as well.
“The players are intelligent and familiar enough with the formations we’ve used. The schedule doesn’t give us a lot of time to work on bigger areas at training, but it’s then about rest and recovery so that everyone is available and ready to come and play.
“We have to be on our game against Hamilton on Sunday. They do a great job every year, it’s a difficult venue with a difficult pitch, but we have good momentum to keep going.”
With a sudden shortage of wingers the 3-5-2 means that they aren’t needed anyway. Mikey Johnston, the manager conformed, suffered a bad injury last night and is going to have an extended period out of action.
Here’s Lenny’s full Media Conference when there’s also the usual ‘Difficult January Window’ stuff, with the no news on transfers conversations going down. The window closes tomorrow night so when there’s time, there’s hope, even if it’s fading fast.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
David Potter’s view from McDiarmid Park…‘The first half hour was just exactly what Celtic should be all about,’ David Potter see HERE.
Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic’s Wonderful Performance on Countryfile…see HERE. Man of the Match – Olivier Ntcham
Niall J’s view – 3 Celtic Goals, 3 Celtic Stands and 3 Vital Points…see HERE. Man of the Match – Olivier Ntcham
The Editor’s Report (from the supporters bus), Slick Celtic’s 3-5-2 blows Saints Away…see HERE. Man of the Match – Greg Taylor
Video: Explicit Lennon Fumes at Johnston After Injury…https://thecelticstar.com/video-explicit-lennon-fumes-at-johnston-after-injury/
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