PUNDITS, and former players in particular, can sometimes be accused of sugar coating their analysis, especially when it comes to assessing players from their old clubs. Such a charge can’t be laid at the door of Frank McAvennie.
The Celtic hero has taken aim at the man currently at the business end of the Celtic attack for his performances this season and his commitment to the club, accusing him of letting both the supporters and himself down.
And ultimately, despite being a huge admirer of the player’s talent, McAvennie believes Celtic must cut their losses in the summer on the French under-21 forward.
“He’s a top player, but like everyone else he’s not done it this season,” said McAvennie. “He’s a better player than he has shown this season.
“I don’t think there’s anything holding him back in terms of ability. He could go to the very top.
“Does he deserve to go to a big club at the moment? I don’t know. The way he’s played this season he’s let the supporters down and he’s let himself down because he’s better than that.
“But he’s destined for the top. He’s got everything in him to be a top striker. He likes it into feet. The boy Jonjo Kenny has been firing balls into the box and I look and think if that was Ally McCoist or myself on the end of it there would be goals.
“But that’s not Eddie’s game. He likes the spectacular. Unless he beats four players and puts it in the top corner he doesn’t want to know.
“But he is a wonderful talent and it’s no surprise the top teams will be looking at him.
“But until someone comes in for him and he moves he’s a Celtic player.”
He doesn’t believe that will be the case for much longer, though.
“They’ve got to do it now,” he said. “Reading between the lines, it’s been agreed he will move on but who knows? At Celtic this season from top to bottom it’s been in a bit of disarray. Everything is slow. Even getting a manager in is taking time. The fans don’t know what’s happening.”
*Frank McAvennie was speaking to promote coverage of Rangers v Celtic exclusively live on Premier Sports this weekend. Premier Sports is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. Prices start from £10.99 per month.
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