NEIL LENNON is ready to turn the clock back to make sure Celtic seal the historic tenth successive title.
The Hoops boss has watched his side hit 42 goals in 17 Premiership games after collecting 89 strikes in 30 matches in last term’s curtailed campaign. The average has dropped alarmingly as the champions have slumped 16 points off the pace although they have three curical games in hand.
Lennon has struggled for a genuine and consistent goal threat from his team with Odsonne Edouard only getting into double figures with his penalty-kick in the 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park at the weekend.
Swiss international Albian Ajeti arrived in a £5million switch from West Ham in the summer while Polish Under-21 hitman Patryk Klimala joined in January in a £3.5million deal. Neither, though, has proved to be the answer.
However, it is the double-act of Edouard and Leigh Griffiths that excites the Hoops boss and they showed signs against Brian Rice’s team of clicking as they did in the second half of last season when Scotland’s title kings romped to nine-in-a-row.
The French ace set up the 30-year-old Scotland raider for the second goal against Accies and the Hoops could have ended the day in storm-lashed conditions with a victory around the 6-0 or 7-0 mark and there could have been no complaints from their hosts.
It looks as though the old one-two will get the nod to start against Dundee United at Parkhead tomorrow afternoon before the Hoops turn their attention to Ibrox on Saturday to hopefully welcome in 2021 with a victory.
Defender Greg Taylor certainly believes the twin threat of Edouard and Griffiths will be vital in overcoming the forthcoming challenges in the months ahead.
The Scotland left-back, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It was important last season for us. They looked good. I thought they played well together and they enjoy it.
“We have got lots of strong options, but those two both scored against Accies, so I’m sure they are pleased.
“I thought Odsonne was super. Really good. I’m sure he’ll be delighted with his goal and overall performance.
“I think it’s a different season for everyone with the lack of fans, the pandemic and you have to react to people getting the virus unfortunately.
“I think Odsonne looked right at it and long may that continue.”
Strike partner Griffiths got off to a false start and his strike against Accies was only his fourth league goal of a vitally important term.
If the partnership clicks again. history could beckon once more for Scotland’s title kings.
