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Fullname: Henri Camara
Born: 10 May 1977
Birthplace: Dakar, Senegal
Signed: July 2004
Position: Striker
Internationals: Senegal
International Caps: [99]
International Goals: [29]

Biog

Senegal international striker Henri Camara joined Celtic in a season long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2004.

Martin O’Neill paid £1.5 million to secure Camara’s services for a year with the Bhoys having the option to make the deal permanent by paying a further £5.8m.

Camara was handed the impossible task of replacing the legendary Henrik Larsson who after seven magnificent seasons had finally bid farewell to Parkhead. It was a task Camara never came close to meeting and it took him until September 11th to net his first goals for the club when he bagged a brace in a 3-0 home victory over Dundee.

He may have been blessed with blistering pace, but Camara seemed incapable of adapting his play to suit the Celtic style and too often he was little more than a passenger in games. Although capable of scoring great goals he simply didn’t look like hitting the net anywhere near frequently and by Christmas it seemed obvious that Camara’s stay in Glasgow would be a temporary one.

In fairness, his new manager (Martin O'Neill) was little around to assist as he was caring for his wife due to personal issues, and this did not help new players trying to settle in the chaning surroundings. Camara had too much on his shoulders to take on from Larsson, and he simply got more stick than he deserved at some points. He scored a some goals but he convinced few if any that he was a long-term solution.

However, he didn't help himself. In a 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox Camara was lucky to remain on the field after an off the ball incident in which he stamped on Gregory Vignal. Video evidence later led to Camara being handed a one match ban. This was likely the beginning of the end.

In the Celtic decided to cut their losses with the player – who had scored eight goals - and in late January Southampton bought out the remaining period of his loan deal. His career has never really got any higher or greater since leaving Celtic, and in retrospect his departure turned out to be a good move for the club.

Playing Career

Club __________	From __________	To _________	Fee ________	League _________	_______	Sc Cup _________	_______	League cup ____________	_______	Other _________
Celtic	30-07-2004	30-01-2005	Loan(£1.5m)	12 (6)	8	0 (1)	0	0 (1)	0	4 (2)

Honours

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