Some players struggle to get off the bench and on to the pitch as a substitute. One of the Celtic squad is now finding it difficult to even grab a seat on the bench. He was missing again for Saturday's dramatic cup win against Dundee. It’s no surprise to fans though that he is rapidly vanishing from sight as far as the first team is concerned.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha has struggled to make an impact ever since he arrived at Celtic at the end of August. Signed from Royal Antwerp for £5 million, he was a hefty transfer outlay, in Celtic terms anyway. Initially, he made occasional appearances, usually as a substitute. His trip to the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, with DR Congo took him out of contention at Celtic for a while. That tournament didn't enhance his reputation either.
Those early Celtic appearances were largely ineffective, though he did manage to claim 2 assists. His AFCON appearances saw him criticised for his role in the Nigeria goal that knocked DR Congo out of the competition. Since returning to Celtic, he has made just one appearance. That came as Martin O’Neill gave him an opportunity in a much-changed side in the Scottish Cup against Auchinleck Talbot.
Another Celtic signing gamble fails
Balikwisha didn't make that chance count, and it seems Martin O’Neill has seen enough. Balikwisha hasn't appeared again in a Celtic squad since. Even more dramatically, he was cut from the Europa League squad to face Stuttgart to make way for three of the new signings. That’s a savage indictment of a player brought in just months ago for a substantial fee.
Somewhat worrying is that this isn't a huge shock for most fans. There wasn’t a lot of enthusiasm or excitement for Balikwisha’s signing. His stats and the inevitable YouTube clips offered little hope. Balikwisha’s injury record was poor too, missing 245 days through three muscle injuries last season. You have to wonder at the quality of scouting and research that led to his signing. It’s another Celtic signing gamble that has failed spectacularly.
His chances to play at Celtic came partly through the chance to test a new signing and then partly because there weren't many other options at the club for a wide player. It’s hard to see a way back for the player at Celtic. Even a new manager clearing the slate and giving everyone a chance might struggle to see anything worthwhile, based on his form so far anyway.
What happens now? Well, a move out wasn't really an option in January, loan or permanent. Balikwisha having already played this season for Celtic and Antwerp meant a third club in the same season isn't allowed. If there is to be a swift parting, it will have to wait for the summer. It can't come quickly enough for most fans and probably for Balikwisha too.