Good news on the injury front today, as it looks as if French Eddie will be available for selection at Ibrox, and probably on Wednesday for Aberdeen away. Personally, I’d leave him out at Pittodrie if it means there’s a better chance of him being up to speed. At best he should have a place on the bench.
For the sake of his sharpness, by all means bring him on if the game is won and tied up in a nice bow, but he shouldn’t start the match.
As I said yesterday, I’m not particularly concerned at the idea of going to Ibrox without a recognised striker.
We have goals all over the team, and we will still be more than capable of turning out their lights.
Going without Edouard and Tom Rogic would clearly be more difficult, but Tom has been in and out of the team in recent weeks anyway and as long as Ryan Christie is fit we can replace the goals the Australian usually pops up with.
Celtic still hasn’t given up hope of getting Rogic for the game.
We’re in talks with the Australian FA about the matter, and will keep those talks going as long as they’re willing to take our calls. Don’t assume this one is a lock, he might well be in the Ibrox squad anyway. Hibs are said to be “keeping an eye” on that situation as they’re losing three players for their own derby.
In truth, I don’t think we’ll be successful and I’m not even sure that I want us to succeed with such a plan. It would be nice to get an exemption and have Rogic on the pitch for that one, but Hibs will be right to holler from the rooftops if we get one and they don’t.
The Aussie manager has already said that every club will be treated the same way, which means no exceptions will be made. It’s typical of Rod Petrie that he sees the word “Celtic” and assumes different. That man really does need to get a grip on himself.
But as long as there’s even a chance of him playing, Celtic will take it to the wire.
Rogic is a big game player, so that’s what you would expect.
French Eddie being fit would be the real lift; Rogic’s replacement is obvious, and the midfield is the strongest part of the team, with goals and assists from the left, the right and through the middle. With other key players almost ready – Kieran is to return, Scott is nearly back to his best, Bitton is going through the gears slowly – we’re looking pretty robust.
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