NEIL LENNON is delighted Vakoun Issouf Bayo has given him a problem.
The Celtic boss now has the Ivorian powerhouse in his striking mix alongside Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths – and the champions’ gaffer is delighted to be spoiled for choice in his attacking options.
Lennon hailed his new treble following the Ivorian frontman’s performance in the 3-1 win over Hearts at Parkhead yesterday.
The manager, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It’s nice – we have three excellent strikers.
“Odsonne is in fantastic form and Bayo has shown quality. In Griffiths, we know we have a player who can score goals out of nothing. So, it’s looking a bit better now in that position.
“We were a bit slow to get the ball into him early on, but once he found his feet, he was superb. He should have had a hat-trick and I’ve told him that, as well!
“His forte is getting on the end of crosses. He was unlucky to hit the post with his header. But he can be absolutely delighted and we all are with him.
“I loved his second goal, it was a real striker’s goal, getting across the defender and a wonderful finish.”
WELL DONE, MY BHOY…Neil Lennon acclaims Bayo
Lennon also paid tribute to Bayo for biding his time to get a first-team start following three appearances as a substitute.
The Irishman added: “He had a real bad hamstring rupture which kept him out from March onwards. Then he was looking decent in pre-season when the hamstring injury reoccurred. So, he’s had to be patient.
“We just felt Odsonne looked very fatigued on Thursday and he has a bit of a hand injury.
“So, it was a good opportunity to showcase Bayo and see what he could do in that environment. He excelled.”
Bayo took the title kings’ impressive goalscoring rate to five-per-game when he claimed the first and third goals against the Tynecastle side with Callum McGregor contributing the one sandwiched in between with a low whizzbang 25-yarder following a neat build-up including James Forrest and Ryan Christie.
The Hoops have now netted 15 in the first three league games with seven against St Johnstone on Flag Day and five against Motherwell at Fir Park on the second outing.
They added three at Parkhead yesterday – and now all eyes are on Ibrox on Sunday.
