Peter Grant Spots What’s Missing at Celtic

Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has questioned Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s impact after his latest start against Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup.

Balikwisha was handed a rare opportunity by Martin O’Neill, starting in a central role behind Johnny Kenny at Rugby Park.

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The match was seen as a chance for fringe players to stake a claim in a rotated Celtic side. With several senior figures rested, the spotlight fell on those asked to step in and make a case for more minutes.

Balikwisha has struggled for form and fitness since arriving at Celtic, and his role has been a topic of debate. Signed as a wide attacker, he has since been used in different areas as managers search for his best position.

Against junior opposition, expectations were high that he would impose himself on the game. However, his involvement was limited, and he was replaced on 68 minutes by Benjamin Nygren as Celtic looked to push on.

He said: (BBC Sportscene), “You put people in positions, and it’s up to them to go and do their jobs.

“I look at Balikwisha. People say, ‘he is a wide player.’

“Now they put him in as a number ten because everybody is saying, ‘he is going to be a number ten.’ I never saw that, and this is Auchinleck Talbot you are playing against.

“So, you have to find that space. You have to show that. You have to give the manager a problem, and I didn’t see that.

“Sometimes, you have to look at the players as well. The manager wants them to go out there and perform. This was an opportunity for some of them, but he will be disappointed in some.”

Balikwisha’s substitution underlined the frustration around his display. While Celtic were largely in control of the match, the lack of penetration from central areas meant chances were limited for long spells.

O’Neill has spoken about the need to see players in competitive situations rather than training alone. The Auchinleck tie offered that platform, especially for those who have been on the edges of the squad.

For Balikwisha, the challenge now is clarity. Grant’s comments reflect a wider concern that the player has yet to show where he best fits and how he can influence games, even against lower-league opposition.

Celtic’s schedule offers little margin for patience. With Hearts and European fixtures looming, O’Neill will likely rely on players he trusts to deliver consistently.

Opportunities like this one do not come often for squad players. When they arrive, the expectation is to make selection decisions difficult, not straightforward.

Balikwisha remains a player with ability, but ability alone is not enough at this stage of the season. The demands are clear, and the competition for places is only going to intensify.

Whether he finds a defined role or continues to drift between positions may shape his future at the club. For now, the message from Grant is simple: chances must be taken when they appear.