Bayo itching to be pitched into Ibrox cauldron
VAKOUN ISSOUF BAYO has declared himself ready to make a goalscoring Old Firm debut today.
Although star striker Odsonne Edouard is expected to make Neil Lennon’s starting XI after limping out of the midweek European win over AIK with cramp, Bayo is on standby for today’s short trip to Ibrox.
The Ivorian striker replaced Edouard late in the Europa League victory in Stockholm but is still waiting for his first Celtic goal after the SPFL adjudicated the two strikes he celebrated against Hearts a week ago were, in fact, own goals.
Last weekend’s game represented Bayo’s first start since signing from Dunajska Streda for £2million in January, but the 22-year-old believes he is ready to make an impression.
He said: ‘I think the second goal last week should have been mine but if they say no then Ibrox would be the perfect place to score the first goal.
‘If Neil Lennon decides I will play then I am ready. I feel fit, my injuries are behind me and I am ready.
‘It’s my first experience of this game against Rangers and I want to show everybody what I can do.
‘If I get a chance, I know I have to score.’
Having plied his trade in Tunisia and Slovakia before moving to Scotland, Bayo has gathered some contrasting experiences of local rivalries.
He knows today will offer something new as the Glasgow sides clash for the first time this season.
‘In Slovakia we had a big derby against Slovan Bratislava but there were maybe 20,000 fans there,’ said Bayo.
‘Here, it is totally different. I have been waiting for this.’
Bayo is one of several Celtic players in line to make their first derby appearance this afternoon. New signings Christopher Jullien, Boli Bolingoli, Moritz Bauer and Mohamed Elyounoussi could all feature, as could winger Lewis Morgan.
None will come under more scrutiny than defender Jullien, who was purchased for £7m from Toulouse over the summer. The Frenchman claimed his first goal for the club in midweek in Stockholm and Bayo believes he is now growing into his role in the Celtic team.
‘That was a great moment for him,’ said the forward. ‘I am happy for him because he has come here for a lot of money and there is a bit of pressure on him.
‘But this goal will help and he can go on to be a big player for us.’