Gordon Strachan famously put defender Adam Virgo on as a striker at Ibrox leaving actual striker Jeremie Aliadiere on the bench during the Scotsman’s first season at the club.
The move was enough on the day for Jeremie Alladiere to get on the phone with his agent and cancel a loan deal that was only set up a month prior by Celtic and Arsenal.
It was seen as a slap in the face to Aliadiere who was brought in to score goals but from the off it was clear Gordon Strachan didn’t trust the player.
Fast forward to Sunday and Celtic are 3-1 down to their Glasgow rivals at the same venue.
We’re chasing the game with ten men and looking for one goal that could help put some pressure on the home side.
John Kennedy’s decision to take off Odsonne Edouard and not bring on Leigh Griffiths has to be seen as the ultimate snub.
Instead, Mikey Johnston was brought on – a winger who has had very little game time due to injury this season. Leigh must have been fizzing on the sidelines.
It’s clear Neil Lennon and John Kennedy did not trust Leigh after coming back very unfit in the summer. But Kennedy did bring him on a Pittodrie to grab a late equaliser, why the snub at Ibrox?
Of course, I don’t think it would have changed the trajectory of the game too much but the optics aren’t good.
Leigh’s only saving grace is John won’t be in charge next season. As his contract runs down and a decision has to be made on his immediate future, surely it will be up to the new man to deliver Leigh’s fate.
Kennedy stating Clarke should select Griffiths for the Euros then won’t select him for Celtic? Leigh got us a draw against Aberdeen, Odsonne needed help upfront but instead of pairing him with Griffiths takes Eduoard off and brings on Mikey Johnston – why? He’s not an out and out proven striker. Decisions being made by Kennedy and previously Lennon have left me totally baffled – don’t think I’m alone here. Get a new manager in now Celtic – no more dithering or delays.