TOMAS CVANCARA earned a £9.2million move to Borussia Monchengladbach in July 2023 after collecting 24 goals in 49 appearances for Sparta Prague.
However, the Czech Republic international frontman’s strike rate dropped alarmingly with the Bundesliga club where he netted a mere four goals in 58 outings.
A loan switch to Turkish outfit Antalyaspor last year didn’t bring a change in fortune with the towering attack-leader hitting just two strikes in 13 matches.
However, new Bhoy Cvancara insists he is ready to go into action in the crucial Premiership encounter against Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow afternoon.
Martin O’Neill has played down expectation levels from fans who are hoping to see the 25-year-forward kick-start his short-term loan period with a capital performance in Edinburgh as the champions prepare to make a dent on the six-point advantage held by Derek McInnes’ team at the top of the league.
TALL STORY…Celtic’s towering loan frontman Tomas Cvancara prepares to hit the headlines in the crunch Premiership encounter at Tynecastle tomorrow.
Cvancara, with the Hoops holding an option to buy in the contract, will be determined to hit the ground running – and Chris Sutton believes the player may revel in the spotlight on this testing occasion.
The former Hoops striker said: “He has maybe lost his way since leaving Sparta Prague, but Celtic can benefit from the fact he must have a point to prove.
“I know I had one when I arrived in Glasgow. My previous season at Chelsea was a disappointing one, so the bit was between my teeth.
“It’s a big ask to go straight into Tynecastle and deliver, yet that’s the challenge he faces.
“Given that assessment from Martin about Cvancara not being a target man, that would lead you to think his strengths are movement and getting into the right areas. In that scenario, you need an understanding with team-mates.
“Colleagues need to know where to find him, when to play, where he wants it. The wide guys need to know if he makes his runs across the front post, or holds for cutbacks, wants it in the air or on the deck.
“That all takes time and it is time which Cvancara has not been afforded going into this mammoth match. That’s a cardinal sin, in itself.”
ITALIAN JOB…Martin O’Neill salutes the Celtic fans in Bologna.
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “I’ve made my feelings clear on how the transfer business is being conducted and the position that my old manager has been left in.
“I did notice some of the one-liners had disappeared as he addressed the media prior to the match in Italy, which may tell you a story of its own over how he’s feeling about the slug-like transfer business.
“He is still waiting for more arrivals which are still clearly needed and Martin is going to have to pitch a striker straight into a huge game hoping, rather than knowing, he can cope.
“I can’t wait for the match. Given what’s been happening the past week or so in Gorgie, this game could be as much about mentality as ability.
“Celtic collected an excellent point against Bologna, but, being left with 10 men for over an hour, energy was sapped.
“The result means a win over Utrecht on Thursday will see them progress in the Europa League, but Martin’s team aren’t going to win that competition.
“The title is the No.1 priority and the focus.”
The one-time England international forward added: “Celtic will have tired bodies and have to find the reserves and mentality to go again with such a short turnaround.
MISSING LINK…Lawrence Shankland fires a penalty-kick beyond Kasper Schmeichel in Hearts’ 3-1 win over Celtic at Tynecastle in October – but the striker won’t figure tomorrow.
“Yet Hearts have to deal with their own mentality tests. Losing Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime leaves a gaping midfield hole and the absence of Lawrence Shankland is a hammer blow.
“I’m a huge fan. He’s more than just a goalscorer. He’s a team player, the glue of the frontline.
“Hearts have played well for most of this season and been praised to the hilt for doing so. Celtic have played relatively poorly throughout, taken criticism for much of it and lost to McInnes’ team twice.
“Mix those factors together and you can barely believe that a victory for Martin’s team will have them just three points behind their hosts in the table, yet that’s the scenario.
“If Cvancara does deliver, he’ll have done it in the toughest of circumstances.”
WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. All is revealed in a sensational new publication. Just click SHOP HERE and your book will be on its way. Happy reading!
