CHRIS SUTTON believes Vakoun Bayo’s performances from his two starts under Neil Lennon has cemented the frontman as Neil Lennon’s number two striker ahead of Leigh Griffiths – a controversial opinion for some if you consider it has only been two games for Bayo up against Leigh’s catalogue of work for the club.
There’s no doubting who’s number one – Edouard owns that position as Celtic’s first choice striker but Sutton believes if Eddy gets injured it will be Bayo who’s called upon.
“He has some really good raw attributes. I think he’s powerful, and he is good in the air.” Sutton told SunSport.
“I was pleased to see him get game time against Partick Thistle, because there’s no doubt Celtic have a problem if Edouard gets injured, and Neil Lennon needs to rely on another striker.
“Who’s second in the pecking order? It’s Bayo now. He’s overtaken Leigh Griffiths, although I know he’s got injury issues.
“But Griffiths has got serious work to do to get his place back in this Celtic side.
“He’s had a tremendous career at Celtic, but when you are out for the length of time he’s been then it’s so much more difficult to get back to a level.”
Leigh has obviously been out with personal problems until the start of this campaign. The striker initially got a run out and scored a couple of goals before being put back on the bench. He has been missing the last few games through a thigh injury and Bayo has taken the chance in Leigh’s absence.
I’m not so sure if Chris Sutton is correct with this one. I think Eddy, Bayo and Leigh are all very different strikers and anyone of them on their day could do the job for Celtic. It just all depends on what Neil Lennon is looking for in any given game. If the Irishman believes being a bigger aerial threat against an opponent is the way to go then Bayo would get the nod. Leigh is a guy who can come in from the cold and get firing straight away. His movement and instincts make him a top asset. Eddy’s work speaks for itself at the moment and it’s hard to envision a big game without the striker at the moment.
