Let's be honest, the UEFA Europa League second leg in Stuttgart is a bit of a pain. With the chance to rest some players before a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers, it could have been another opportunity for Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Instead, his poor form has had him dropped from Celtic squads and made him ineligible for Thursday’s tie.
The game could allow Martin O’Neill to reach deeper into his squad. Already 4-1 down from that horror first leg, Martin O'Neill may try to balance a changed team with other priorities for the side. The defeat against Hibs makes the next few domestic games even more challenging.
Balikwisha has seemingly disappeared from sight over recent weeks. He dropped out of the Celtic SPFL matchday squads in December. His last league appearance was against Falkirk back in October. To balance that a little, he did go to the Africa Cup of Nations in December with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Celtic €5m gamble misses Stuttgart opportunity
After several uninspiring displays, O’Neill gave him one last chance. A start in the Scottish Cup against Auchinleck Talbot in December. It didn't change any minds. The next public embarrassment was Balikwisha being dropped from the Celtic Europa League squad to face Stuttgart. He made room for some of the new January signings.
That's the technical reason he won’t feature on Thursday night. The real reason though is that he is not good enough to be selected for a Celtic side. Even one that is currently struggling.
The player seems to have gone undercover. His Instagram account has been stripped of all Celtic references and photos. Fans reported on social media that Balikwisha had added a like to a post by Bilal El Khannouss celebrating his goals in the first leg at Parkhead for Stuttgart. That doesn't hint anywhere near a player working hard to get back in the side.
Celtic future very uncertain for Balikwisha
It’s unclear what the position is at the club for Balikwisha. Signed for €5m last August, he looks on his way out this summer, if a move can be found. A January move was out of the question with the player already having appeared for Royal Antwerp this season before his move. Regulations rule that he can't play for a third club this season.
Celtic are having to make do with the players they have this season. O’Neill is trying to get the best out of his squad. It’s a sad indictment on the player and the club that Balikwisha seemingly can't be counted on to help the cause. Yet again, the Celtic recruitment approach comes heavily under question...