One of the last things Brendan Rodgers did before he left Celtic for Leicester City was to sign Vakoun Issouf Bayo in the January transfer window. However, following the arrival of Neil Lennon, it appears the Ivorian has some work to do to be able to get a place in the first-team.
On international duty with the Ivory Coast’s Under-23s this week, the striker has only played one minute of football for the Hoops since his arrival and has only been included in two matchday squads, which will surely raise some concerns about why he was signed.
What’s the News?
Speaking in an interview with SportMania about his move to Parkhead, Issouf Bayo revealed that the change in manager has ‘mixed his plans’ and has admitted that the change ‘wasn’t easy’.
“The departure of the former coach has somewhat mixed my plans,” he said. “Today, there is a new boss who runs the bench. It was not easy. But as a professional, I give the best of me to convince him. Given my current performance, I think everything should be in order for me.”
The Verdict:
It can never be easy when you are a new arrival at the club and the manager decides shortly after to leave for a new challenge, especially when he takes fellow countryman Kolo Toure with him, as he will have likely been able to help Issouf Bayo settle into his new surroundings.
Obviously, Lennon would have had his own ideas about who would be best in his first-team picture and at the moment, the 22-year-old does not appear to be part of them as he has been limited to reserve team football so far.
However, with that being said, if he impresses, there is no suggestion as to why he can not be involved with the senior side on a more regular basis as the club are currently finding it difficult to win games without the need for a last-gasp goal.
He was an unused substitute in their match against Dundee at the weekend, which could mean he is beginning to be on the fringes, whilst the confidence that appears to resonate from his interview could suggest that he is not too far from being included more often.
But, with the likes of Leigh Griffiths still to come back at some point and Odsonne Edouard and Timothy Weah being favoured ahead of him, Issouf Bayo might just have to wait for his opportunity to shine for Lennon and Celtic.
Celtic fans, would you want to see Issouf Bayo in action soon? Or do you think the likes of Edouard and Weah will remain in front of him? Join in with the discussion below by sharing your thoughts with us.
