Former Celtic player John Hartson has delivered his verdict on new Hoops signing Oliver Burke.
The club’s official Twitter account and website have confirmed that the 21-year-old ace has joined the club on loan from Championship side West Brom, subject to a medical being completed.
?? #WelcomeBurke #CelticFC have signed @OliverBurke55 on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of this season, subject to a medical. ?https://t.co/0EaeefnWlC
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 5, 2019
Hartson stated his hopes for the new arrival via his personal account on the social media site – and he thinks that Burke needs to get his playing career back to normal with regular games after making just five appearances for the Baggies this season.
He said: “Hope Oliver Burke can make an immediate impact at Celtic.. only made 5 appearance at West Brom so far this season, needs games get his career back on track. Powerful boy.”
Hope Oliver Burke can make an immediate impact at Celtic.. only made 5 appearance at West Brom so far this season, needs games get his career back on track. Powerful boy ??
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 5, 2019
OPINION
There may have been several eyebrows raised when Celtic confirmed the signing of Oliver Burke from West Brom – after all, he has only played five times this season. However, it would be harsh to criticise him before he has even kicked a ball for the Hoops this term. Like Hartson pointed out, hopefully this loan stint can get his career back on track – as he no doubt has the potential to do very well. It will be interesting to see how Burke performs for Celtic and how he will fit into Brendan Rodgers’ plans in this campaign. One thing is for sure though, he cannot be left on the bench too often. He no doubt joined with the intention of playing most weeks, so he must do his best to convince Rodgers to select him regularly. Fingers crossed that the spell works out for him, as game time is just what he needs at his age.