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Nicholas hits nail on head about Burke – Lennon must listen

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Image for Nicholas hits nail on head about Burke – Lennon must listen

OPINION

When Oliver Burke arrived on loan at Celtic from West Brom the Parkhead faithful would no doubt have been curious as to what kind of player they were getting their hands on.

A versatile forward and a once highly rated youngster, the 21-year-old’s career has not taken off in the way many expected and so the move north of the border was a huge chance for him to reignite his future and make a name for himself.

While most football fans would call Burke a winger, he has actually been utilised almost solely as a centre forward and it looked like an inspired move at first, with two goals on his league debut.

Unfortunately for the Bhoys, he has failed to have anywhere near the same impact in the games since, with two goals in 10 appearances.

It is no wonder that Charlie Nicholas has been bemoans the use of the Scottish international as a number 9, writing in his column for Sky Sports: “Oliver Burke does not look a natural number nine and looks better playing with someone with his pace and power.”

He is absolutely right in his analysis – Burke is not a striker and never will be with his qualities and talents.

The experiment at Celtic was brought to a temporary halt against Dundee, when Burke was left on the bench and Odsonne Edouard led the line, but it must be stopped for good between now and the end of the season.

Sure, try the Frenchman and the Scottish star alongside each other or leave the club’s record signing up top by himself – but putting Burke in as a sole forward again is just asking for trouble.

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