When a new striker arrives you want them to do two things; work hard and score goals.
Antonio Colak has, unquestionably, done both.
The Croatian international arrived as something of a known quantity having knocked us out of the Champions League qualifiers last season with Malmo and his style of play seemed to be one that was more likely to suit Giovanni van Bronckhorst than the recently departed Cedric Itten and even the rarely available but prolific Kemar Roofe.
A mixture of early season rustiness, key players being missing and new players getting up to speed saw Colak’s chances limit but nobody can argue at record that now stands at three goals scored in five games, a disallowed header against Livingston also adding to the evidence that he knows where the goal is if he is given the right supply.
Against a team who is unlikely to sit in and pack the box Colak could have more space than in his previous five games combined and, until Alfredo Morelos is fully fit, he should be trusted to do what he did for Malmo and fire us into the group stages – an on form and confident striker is always a valuable asset in any team.
What we have also seen is a gradual improvement in his link up play with his team-mates, his work rate has always been fine in terms of pressing, that he has more bodies closer to him and he is less isolated has also benefitted him.
Viewed by many as a back-up when he first arrived, don’t be surprised if Colak is the one who takes centre-stage over the next two games, maybe then, the doubters will finally give him the credit he deserves.