Will the ghost of Larsson be laid to rest?

Filling the boots of Celtic’s greatest post war scorer and a legendary hero to fans all over the world is no easy task. A Brazilian world cup winner was given the famous no 7 jersey but ultimately the burden was too much for him. A man with a similar first name and a decent pedigree also seemed incapable of dealing with the pressure. Of course the usual questions were asked and the usual responses rolled off the tongues as if rehearsed “I’m not Henrik Larsson, I’m here to be my own man” blah blah blah.

Let’s not get carried away, but the return to the side of Magic Zurawski has given the team the impetus and drive that was missing as we looked to bury the memories of last season’s final day capitulation. He has now scored in all but one of his comeback games and has been on target no less than 10 times in 7 starts and a sub apearance. After a slow beginning to his career in Scotland as he struggled to settle into a new strike partnership, a new team and a new country, the usual mutterings began. Was he good enough, was it a waste of £2m? Slowly but surely he began to find his feet, scoring a couple at Dunfermline before going on a decent spell of form. This was sadly cut short as a hamstring injury on International duty kept him out for all but 2 games between October & December.

A scoring, cameo performance during the ill-fated defeat at Clyde was to mark his return to the side and a remarkable run of form as his energy and movement was rewarded. This culminated in the winning goal in an Old Firm derby and a 4 goal spree at a Pars side who had somehow managed to kept a clean sheet at Parkhead. What was good to see on Sunday, was the beginnings of an understanding being developed between Hartson & Zurawski. Hartson’s goal came from following up a Zurawski shot while Magic himself can thank BBJ for two of his own tally.

I have always been impressed by Zurawski’s effort and mobility up front, but on Sunday his effortless close control and accurate finishing were to the fore (pardon the pun!) His first goal was a delight as he quickly pounced on a through ball and slotted it into the far corner with a devestating left-footed finish. But in truth, each goal was characterised by the same knack of quickly bringing a difficult ball under control and finding the farthest corner of the net. If Magic can retain this form, the adoring Celtic legions may have found themselves another hero to cheer.