Chris Sutton questioned the Celtic boss’ tactical decision at the weekend.
Brendan Rodgers will certainly feel that he had the last laugh after Chris Sutton criticised the way the Celtic boss used Oliver Burke in the Scottish Cup at the weekend on BT Sport ahead of the Hoops’ Scottish Premiership clash on Wednesday.
Burke made his debut in the 3-0 win at Airdrie, leading the line as a striker. However, it was not the kind of display that would have convinced the fans that he was the man to fill the attacking void.
Sutton defended the West Brom-owned forward ahead of the clash with St Mirren, and suggested that Rodgers had made a mistake picking him up front for the tie.
“You look back a couple of seasons and he was supposed to be the next big thing. Big money move to Leipzig. But he hasn’t played there regularly throughout his career. He’s asked him to do a job. Play him in his preferred position. He needs to hit the ground running.”
Of course, those comments look slightly foolish now as Burke performed superbly on Wednesday night. He scored twice in the 4-0 win that sent out a real statement to the rest of the Scottish Premiership.
And Rodgers’ use of Burke now appears as if it could go on to prove a masterstroke. He is not being used as a forward for the first time following his move to Parkhead, but he has spent most of his career out on the wing and many would have expected him to feature there for the Hoops.
It appeared to be a gamble for Celtic to make a move for Burke this month. But Sutton’s comments and Burke’s subsequent performance against St Mirren arguably highlight how the youngster’s move could turn out to be more inspired than many would have imagined.
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