Thin Up Top ?

Broadsword on the striking issue…. 

Leigh Griffiths, Nadir Ciftci and, some would argue, Anthony Stokes. That’s the three ‘recognised’ strikers available to Ronny Deila for the next 22/23 games (if we get past Raith Rovers) and that includes the 6 games against Molde, Ajax and Fenerbahce.

There have been reports and rumours of failed attempts to bring in another striker before the transfer window was closed at the exact point in time everyone in the observable universe knew it would. The name of Steven Fletcher was prominent in this latest round of ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda’ but, and this despite the player being keen on the move, it wasn’t happening. We didn’t offer to cover enough (all?) of his salary, Advocaat was only going to let a forward leave if he got two strikers – he got Fabio Borrini, so he’s still looking for two strikers. Nah, the only way we could have got properly excited about this one was if Fletcher were to appear in photo next to one of these beauties.

So, in the spirit of post-International break bliss I am intending to offer some sort of analysis of the state of play in the Celtic attack.

Reasons for Concern

Number one, Nadir Ciftci. He hasn’t looked anywhere near the standard we expect in terms of technique, fitness , game intelligence, awareness and other stuff that p rofessional football players are supposed to be good at. Early days but, now that his dental ban has been served, he really has to demonstrate the qualities that encouraged us to sign him.

Next up, Leigh Griffiths gets injured. Just take a minute and think that this may happen. It could and if it does then I’ll let you pick your own sweary words.

Following on from that is the prospect of Anthony Stokes being asked to play in a position where he needs a partner to be effective. There’s also the distinct possibility that Stokes is not the most wanted employee at Celtic Park as discussions were held with Bolton and Birmingham, whilst no new contract talks are on the horizon (he’s in his final year). Added to that is the fact that Ronny Deila has only played him twice this season and it’s becoming apparent that he may be thanked for his services in the not too distant future.

Reasons for Optimism

Griffiths continues his good start to the season. He’s scored 8 goals so far, probably should have been afforded a chance at some stage against Germany and, with the notable exception of Malmo away, has been bright, lively and clinical. He’s definitely got a chance of securing the ‘lone striker’ position and if he stays clear of injury, suspension and jail then it will be interesting to see what he can do. The Europa League games could be a great way for him to give Gordon Strachan a headache.

Ciftci can only get better. Honestly, he just has to. The chance to get a run of games together and develop understanding with the rest of the team should see a measured improvement from what he has offered so far.

Stokes feels he has a point to prove/ put himself in the window. I am of the opinion that Anthony is ver y much in the twilight of his Celtic career. He has not lived up to the expectation I had of him when we signed him. In fairness he has still provided some enjoyable moments, the Rennes games where M’Villa ‘bossed’ it springs to mind. There is the possibility that if he is asked to ‘lead the line’ or ‘stand in front of Johansen’ then he could use it as a chance to say “Ha-ha! I’ll dazzle you all with my flamboyant brilliance before riding off in to the Sun kissed streets of Burnley where you shall rue my departure!”

He probably won’t but sometimes it’s nice to let a lager-fuelled imagination take you on a journey where breathalysers should probably be fixed on to lap tops as standard.

A final optimistic note is that we may, through our paucity in options coupled with busy schedule (remember Griffiths will be away with the Scotland squad, Ciftci will pr obably nip home and Stokes will be in the Brazen) is that there may be scope to see if any of our younger prospects are anywhere near to being a part of the first team. Perhaps we could see if Luke Donnelly will be more Charlie Nicholas than Dugald McCarrison?

I didn’t make that last name up, Google it, trust me.

The End Bit

Overall I am a tad concerned.  Getting through the group stage of the Europa League was always going to be tough given who we got, and how we’ve played. A new signing of the attacking variety would have helped – although I do think that is the spoilt bastard football fan in me coming out. I think Saturday’s game at Aberdeen will tell us a lot, in terms of ability and managerial thinking. One thing I am reasonably certain of is that, like it or lump it, we are sticking with 4-2-3-1 until January at the ear liest, as we don’t have the flexibility in the squad to accommodate 2 strikers on the field, at present. Would Steven Fletcher have helped? Yes. Would he have been the best use of resources at this moment? Not so sure about that but every now and then you can roll the dice.