In a recent interview, Celtic centre-forward Albian Ajeti has expressed his delight for Rangers striker Cedric Itten ahead of lining up together for Switzerland. Itten, currently on loan with Bundesliga outfit Greuther Fürt, has mostly been utilized sporadically by Steven Gerrard, whereas Ajeti fired in a few goals of late in Hoops colours during the injury absence of Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis.
“There’s a great atmosphere here and for me, it’s nice to see some familiar faces again. I’m delighted Cedric has been called up too. We are both predatory strikers with a nose for scoring goals. Hopefully, we can get the chance to play together in the qualifiers coming up.”
Told the 24-year-old in a recent interview (as quoted by the Daily Record). Both of them have received call-ups after a year and the Celtic star is keen to make the opportunities count against Northern Ireland and Lithuania ahead of the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ajeti completed a £5m transfer from West Ham United back in the summer of 2020. His minutes were limited in East London, however, the ‘number 9’ has not yet justified the price tag with only 9 goals in 43 appearances since joining the Glasgow giants. He has been a shadow of his Basel days, and therefore, mostly been used as a substitute as the understudy to Furuhashi high up the pitch.
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Why Ajeti Must Improve His Game To Meet The Expectations
Meanwhile, his return to international football received stern criticism from former Celtic and Switzerland centre-half Ramon Vega. He was surprised by Ajeti’s inclusion as he has only been featuring for the Bhoys due to multiple injury absentees. Neither the striker has impressed enough while spearheading the attack nor has he shown enough dynamism, pace and predatory qualities persistently. The definition of a goalscorer has changed over the years and the managers these days prefer versatile, hard-working centre-forwards over traditional marksmen.
The Rossocrociati international has lost his place as soon as Furuhashi has regained fitness. The Japanese sensation took little time to find the net and the Parkhead faithful is overwhelmed to have someone so good in their ranks, particularly after Odsonne Edouard’s egress. The claims made by Vega can’t be ruled out either and it’s up to Ajeti now whether he would uplift his game both for his country and club.
The Celtic forward has only found the net once in 10 international appearances and it’s high time he grabs these chances to get his career back on track before it gets too late.
