Lewis Morgan celebrates after scoring for Celtic (Getty Images)
Celtic may have beaten arch-rivals Rangers to bag the Scottish League Cup but Lewis Morgan put in a woeful display in the centre-forward role.
Neil Lennon deployed him in an unusual false nine role which apparently backfired for the entire team. In Odsonne Edouard’s absence, the Hoops stuttered majorly in their attack and Rangers looked like the better team for the major part of the match. However, Alfredo Morelos’ inability to convert the chances that came his way, led to their downfall.
Although Morgan is a winger by trade, he looked like a duck out of water during the final. In fact, Celtic’s attack lacked direction and bite, so much so that at one point it seemed like they were playing without a centre-forward.
He was nowhere near Edouard’s level and the attack looked devoid of a much-needed focal point. Despite a decent spell with Sunderland, Morgan struggled massively and it was a game to forget for the 23-year-old.
Prior to Edouard’s injury, Morgan wasn’t getting much game time and unfortunately, he has failed to grasp this golden opportunity. He did contribute a few goals initially but after the dreadful performance against Rangers, the Bhoys must consider offloading him to free up funds and space for a more reliable player.
The Scotland star looked shoddy and simply lacked the physicality to make any sort of impact upfront. As a result, an unfit Edouard took his spot in the second half but after that woeful display, it does not make sense for Celtic to retain him any further. And his inability to play well only reiterates the fact that Lennon’s men are in dire need of attacking reinforcements.
With the January window coming up, the time would be ideal for the Scottish giants to sell him and look for options elsewhere.
Edouard’s sharp instincts and whatnot make the chances of Morgan returning to the starting XI anytime soon look extremely slim. Thus, Morgan must be shown the exit door at Parkhead.