CELTIC: Fasan; Janko, McCart, Boyata, Izaguirre; Christie, Ajer, Johnansen, Henderson, Armstrong; Ciftci
SUBS: Ambrose, Ralston, Miller, Hendry, Doohan, Johnston, Aitchison
Brendan Rodgers has selected a significantly different Celtic side for tonight’s game than those we’ve seen in competition football so far. With Wednesday night in mind, we’ve opted to field a younger team with a couple of experienced heads.
No-one can argue with that decision at all. Not only will it be a good test for the kids, but it keeps our top players out of the firing line and gives us a chance to see some of those players who might not otherwise feature for a while.
The ICC organisers might not like it, but they’ve spent so long trying to promote the idea of us having a friendly match with Sevco – a suggestion that helps them but doesn’t benefit us one iota – that I frankly don’t particularly care what they think of it. Our business in in Europe, that’s what we’re focussed on and Brendan knows it full well.
So tonight we get to see what the kids can do, and I include young Christie in that, a player I know will have a big season once he breaks into the team. He plays in a midfield which includes Stefan Johansen in what may well be his final appearance for the club, Stuart Armstrong, who is playing for a place in the Champions League squad for Wednesday, Liam Henderson and Ajer, who I very much look forward to seeing in his natural position.
It leaves us with one recognised striker; Nadir Ciftci.
The backline is equally changed, with Janko playing on one side and Izzy on the other, with Boyata and McCart in the middle. It’s a good chance for young Jamie, he is a cracking talent and O’Connell breaking into the team shows him that it can be done.
The bench is equally youthful, with only Ambrose representing experience.
The likes of Aitchison and the wonderful Calvin Miller will get their chance to show off later in the game.
This is a game I’m very much looking forward to.
Come on the second string!
Show the manager what you can do!