West Ham United and Celtic legend John Hartson was hurting after watching the Scottish giants crash out of the Champions League again.
Sullivan and Gold dicing with death if they don’t come to West Ham’s defence
Celtic were beaten 2-1 at home by Ferencvaros on Wednesday to end their hopes of reaching the Champions League group stage.
The hosts were behind to the Hungarian champions inside seven minutes at Celtic Park and, despite pulling level at the beginning of the second half, Ferencvaros struck again 15 minutes from time to send Celtic into the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon could not hide his frustration with his Celtic players afterwards. He suggested they are perhaps not as good as they think they are (Sky Sports).
Photo by Ian MacNicol Getty Images
No repeat heroics from Ajeti as Celtic crash out of Champions League
There were no heroics from new striker signing and former West Ham forward Albian Ajeti this time out.
The ex Hammers outcast scored a later winner as second half substitute against Dundee United in the league.
But Celtic missed a host of chances as they slipped to defeat despite Ajeti’s 78th minute introduction.
Hartson is a real favourite among West Ham and Celtic fans after superb spells at both clubs during a goal-laden career.
So he is ideally placed to assess Celtic’s £5 million signing of Ajeti from West Ham.
Some Hammers fans believe Ajeti was never really given a chance in east London.
Others feel that is simply because he was not up to Premier League standards and point to the fact he was snubbed by two very different managers in Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes.
Photo by Ian MacNicol Getty Images
Hartson say Ajeti’s lack of game time at West Ham has cost Celtic dear
Neil Lennon took a chance on the former Basel star, though, bringing him to Celtic despite limited game time during his spell at West Ham.
And Hartson believes that was one of the factors hindering profligate Celtic as they failed once again in Europe’s elite competition.
“Ajeti isn’t fit 12 games in 18 months,” Hartson said on Twitter.
“And he (Lennon) didn’t trust Klimala to start as don’t see him top level yet!
“Christie was more than capable, he scored one, could have scored more, created three/four chances for others. Edouard was injured.
“We are in trouble if Edouard gets sold or injured.”
Ajeti isn’t fit 12 games in 18 months. and he didn’t trust klimala to start as don’t see him top level yet! Christie was more than capable he scored 1, could have scored more, created 3/4 chances for others. Eduyard was injured. We are in trouble if eduyard gets sold or injured.
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) August 27, 2020
Photo By Stephen McCarthy Sportsfile via Getty Images
Hammers doing battle with Celtic for Duffy
Attentions now turn to who will win the transfer tussle between West Ham and Celtic for defender Shane Duffy.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has held talks with Duffy over a move – read full story.
But reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee revealed the Hammers face serious competition from Celtic.
There was twist earlier this week when Duffy boarded a plane reportedly bound for Scotland.
Duffy posted a picture on Instagram from aboard a plane simply saying: “Let’s go.”
And at the same time his brother posted a picture of the Celtic badge on his own Instagram account.
Things have gone quiet ever since, though.
🇮🇪 | Shane Duffy
It looks like it’s finally happening 🙌🏻
Shane Duffy boards flight as his brother posts the Celtic crest 👀🍀 pic.twitter.com/c1hTRsY6SV
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) August 24, 2020