CHRIS SUTTON believes handing the Celtic armband to Albian Ajeti was a shrewd move by the new manager.

Ange Postecoglou gave the Swiss striker the armband for the game against Sheffield Wednesday midweek when he led out a young side and helped them to victory.

It might not seem like much to give the armband to Ajeti for a pre-season friendly – but Sutton believes it’s a physiological thing where Ange has shown the Albian he’s ready to run with him and he has confidence in what the forward can do.

Ajeti scored the goal that brought Celtic back into the game midweek. The Hoops ran out 3-1 winners in the end.

Writing in his RecordSport column, Sutton believes there’s a big chance Ajeti can come good this season if managed in the right way.

‘Dishing out the captain’s armband to Ajeti for the day looks like a shrewd move and a clever throw of a dice.

‘If the player needed a sign that he was wanted and he was loved by the new boss, that was the perfect way to show it.

‘For all Postecoglou knows due to transfer business and off-pitch scenarios,

‘Ajeti might be his main striker shortly until others arrive and the gaffer needs to find ways to get him firing.

‘Listen, I’ve spoken before about it not being easy for new players at any club
last season.

‘Lockdown was horrible for everyone. It was bad enough when you were stuck at home, but can you imagine what it was like for players arriving from different countries trying to settle into the place?’

Bayo has left the building, Leigh Griffiths has been sent home and Edouard is still looking for a move away. Albian Ajeti is by all accounts our number one striker at the moment.

It wouldn’t be the greatest of signals to put him behind Edouard until the Frenchman leaves – that could do damage in the long run. Ajeti seems like a confidence player, to get him firing, he needs the backing of his manager.

Neil Lennon didn’t inspire confidence in the frontman last season, let’s see what he can do if the manager is behind him.