VASILIS BARKAS is set to be named in the Starting XI for today’s game against Ross County. The Greek International has been displaced by Scott Bain in recent games; however, he looks set to get the nod from Neil Lennon and the chance to win the No.1 jersey back from Bain.
Bain has conceded 16 goals in 7 games meaning questions have been raised as to why Lennon is persisting with him when he has a £4.5m goalkeeper warming the bench. Barkas last featured in the 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Europa League before a shoulder injury kept him out of the trip to Pittodrie, allowing Bain to claim the jersey.
However, poor defensive performances have resulted in people clamouring for a change and Lennon has decided that he needs to make a change, allowing Barkas to come back in. The Scottish Sun are reporting that he will start in this afternoon’s Last 16 game versus the Staggies as Celtic look to make it five league cup wins in a row.
29th January 2020; McDairmid Park, Perth, Perth and Kinross, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Mikey Johnston of Celtic is treated at the side of the pitch after initially breaking down
Elsewhere, VideoCelts are reporting that Mikey Johnston’s Celtic return will take place on Tuesday with the Reserve Cup Final versus Aberdeen. The winger was injured in a win versus St Johnstone in January – which irked Neil Lennon as he asked him whether he was ok to continue or needed to come off.
It is a boost for him to return with James Forrest out injured until Christmas at least. Johnston is a talented player and prospect for the future but he can also provide an attacking spark this season – where Celtic have been poor.