With Celtic’s all or nothing clash against Spartak Moscow on the horizon, Celtic’s fringe players will no doubt be used in this weekend’s Scottish Cup game at home to Arbroath.
The fact that Dylan McGeough was the player who spoke to the press today says to me that he will be starting, and it will be a long overdue start for him, he has always impressed when used as a sub. There could also be a starting place for Raibu Ibrahim, who did well at the end of last season but hasn’t been seen since. Matthews and Rogne could also start.
From the team that played the other night, it wouldn’t surprise me if both Hooper and Lassad played at least part of the game, both are needing game time ahead of Wednesday. Kayal could also be a starter as he continues his comeback from injury. Miku would seem certain to be involved too. Fraser Forster will probably start as well, due to the fact that he is in such terrific form he’ll probably want to play every game.
As for the game itself, hopefully Celtic will have the game won by half-time and the first team regulars who are playing can be replaced by perhaps some of the youngsters, such as the free-scoring Bahrudin Atajic. This would seem the ideal game for him to make his first team debut.
Hopefully the fringe players that are used take their opportunity to shine and perhaps one of them could be the unlikely hero that gets Celtic the win on Wednesday.
Would like to see the young Australian bhoy given a run out at some point. For the first time in years every single young player within the ‘development’ set up has a point to prove when they are given a chance.