First impressions are always crucial in life, but unfortunately for Michel-Ange Balikwisha, he didn’t pass that test on his Celtic debut.
That drab Glasgow derby at the start of the season will go down in living memory as one of the worst games in history.
That was Balikwisha’s debut for Celtic, but the hour he spent on the pitch didn’t impress anyone, and that has continued even with Martin O’Neill in the dugout.
Even though Balikwisha featured during O’Neill’s first few games in charge, he has hardly been used since, but Celtic’s departing coach stated that could all change.
Can AFCON be where Michel-Ange Balikwisha finally hits some form?
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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesMartin O’Neill provides hope for Michel-Ange Balikwisha at Celtic
Ahead of Celtic’s game against Dundee on Wednesday night, which will be O’Neill’s final bow as manager, he brought up Balikwisha’s name in his press conference.
O’Neill admitted that the 24-year-old ‘hasn’t played under me’ as much, but that doesn’t mean the next manager will think the same.
Wilfried Nancy will take charge on Thursday, and O’Neill shared that he told Balikwisha how the Frenchman might think Celtic’s summer signing is ‘the best.’
“I said to some of the lads, Balikwisha hasn’t played under me (that much),” said O’Neill. “The next manager will step in. Play him. And find out that he could be the best. This is the point. I have made that point to him.
“The incoming manager may have a difference of an opinion on some players that I would have. That doesn’t mean I am right.”
Balikwisha’s stats for Celtic
The issue with Balikwisha is that he won’t have much time to impress his new boss because he will be away on international duty this month.
The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on December 21, and Balikwisha has been selected by DR Congo.
The Celtic Park faithful will be hoping he can find some life and form with his country because he has found next to nothing with the champions of Scotland.
Games: 12Goals: 0Assists: 2Starts: 2Off the bench: 10Remained on the bench: 5Total minutes: 317 Join Our Newsletter
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