Celtic’s understudy right-back Cristian Gamboa deserves to be given more of an opportunity – but this could have massive repurcussions for Saidy Janko.
If Saidy Janko had his way, he would have been front and centre of the green and white conga line, celebrating with his Celtic team-mates at Tynecastle, the club’s official website reports.
Yet, a day before The Bhoys were toasting a sixth straight Scottish Premiership title following a 5-0 thrashing of Hearts, Janko was making only his first start of the season at loan club Barnsley, helping stall Sheffield Wednesday’s play-off ambitions with a 1-1 draw.
In total, that was only the right-back’s eighth appearance of 2016/17, his loan spell at Oakwell ruined by injuries. However, that has not stopped the former Manchester United youngster hoping for a second chance at Celtic Park, as reported by the club’s official website.
Nonetheless, that decision may be taken out of his hands. The 21-year-old’s last game in Celtic colours was that shocking Champions League qualifier defeat to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel.
The Hoops narrowly progressed 5-4 on aggregate but that did not stop Janko, who gave away a penalty and gifted a goal to the hosts, from receiving his fair share of the flak.
Less than a week later, Rodgers bombed him out to Barnsley.
Furthermore, it’s not as if there’s a clear space in Celtic’s side for Janko. The experienced Michael Lustig signed a new contract earlier in the season while Cristian Gamboa continues to prove his worth when called upon.
The Costa Rican, a summer signing from West Brom, may have started just 10 league games in his debut campaign but his driving runs on the right have caught the eye of supporters. Many of whom have expressed hope that Gamboa will be given more of a chance next season.
And, if their demands are answered, Janko may be forced to kick-start his career elsewhere.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
