Luka Djorjdevic has got his career back on track since leaving Zenit for Arsenal Tula – but would he have made the grade at Celtic?
When the name Luka Djordjevic emerged in the summer, Celtic fans could be forgiven for suffering flashbacks of Amido Balde or Teemu Pukki. According to the Scottish Sun, The Bhoys were considering handing a trial to the Montenegrin striker as he looked to secure a move away from Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg.
Though the 23-year-old did not exactly boast the most impressive goalscoring record. Djordjevic scored once in 18 games for Zenit and failed to find the net during loan spells with FC Twente or Sampdoria.
Few Celtic fans would have been drying their tears, then, when Djordjevic secured a loan move to Russian outfit Arsenal Tula in the summer instead. Though the 6ft 1ins forward is now starting to show the form that explains why the Scottish Champions were considering taking a chance.
Djordjevic has a respectable four goals in 10 appearances for one of Russia’s smallest top flight sides – and has therefore been rewarded with his first start for Montenegro since he scored in a 6-0 thrashing of San Marino all the way back in September 2012.
Djordjevic did come off the bench for the final four minutes off the bench in a World Cup qualifying defeat to Poland in March but his inclusion from the off against Denmark earlier this month is a sign that the 23-year-old has got his nomadic career back on track.
We won’t be seeing Djordjevic at the World Cup in Russia after Montenegro finished third in Group E behind Poland and Denmark. Though Celtic may be wondering what might have been.
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