Celtic fans are still confused over the unexpected return of Boli Bolingoli.
At 1.45pm yesterday the team was announced with Celtic’s Twitter account featuring a smiling Belgian alongside the list of players.
Over the previous two matches Greg Taylor, Adam Montgomery and Josip Juranovic had played at left-back, a few days before the transfer window closed Liam Scales was signed from Shamrock Rovers.
It was the ultimate left-field selection when Bolingoli returned leaving Montgomery and Scales watching from the bench.
Before yesterday’s match Postecoglou told BBC Scotland:
Some of it [the changes] is just to bring some fresh legs in. We’ve brought Bolingoli in and to be fair to him he’s been working hard and it’s great to have him available.
Can’t say I’m over the moon at Bolingoli coming back into the team. But then, Ange has seen him in training and knows a lot more about his current capabilities than any of us do.
— Hugh Parker ? (@hughp1970) September 19, 2021
We have players who have not brought shame on the club who can play left-back. Taylor (albeit injured) and Montgomery. THAT should never be allowed to play for Celtic again! Absolutely disgraceful!!
— Rosemary Lucas (@dollydimples88) September 19, 2021
That is the same Bolingoli that was on the bench away to AZ Alkmaar but was then dropped from the squad registered with UEFAÂ for the group stage matches. Last August he showed his respect for the club, team-mates and fans with his trip to Spain that resulted in the SPFL stepping in to postpone two Celtic matches.
Despite no game time since the pre-season friendly against West Ham, Bolingoli put in a decent performance at Livingston.
It is impossible to say whether Scales or Montgomery would have fared as well, better or worse but both have recently signed long term contracts.
With a brand new defence trying to get some understanding continuity is important. Bolingoli won’t be playing next week against Bayer Leverkusen- giving Scales or Montgomery game time against Raith Rovers and Dundee United seems to make more sense that playing the ‘working hard’ Bolingoli.
?? We are delighted to announce @CelticFCAcademy player @adamontgomery11 has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2025.
Congrats and good luck today, Adam! ? pic.twitter.com/6vk6PZBTNi
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 27, 2021
Get over it, I don’t know why I keep coming back to this crap. It’s the most depressing and miserable reporting week in week out. Bolingoli is an established player, Montgomery is a kid and Taylor is injured. And personally I felt no disrespect from his flight to Spain he’s human and made a mistake.