Brendan Rodgers admits he has a personnel headache heading into this evening’s Premier Sports League Cup semi-final battle with Aberdeen…
Brendan Rodgers with the League Cup in November 2016, his first trophy as Celtic manager. Photo Vagelis Georgariou.
Brendan’s Brilliant Hampden Record
The Irishman’s record at Hampden is unrivalled winning 11 out of 11 games at the national stadium across his two spells which has seen him pick up plenty of silverware as Celtic boss.
A mouth-watering encounter with Jimmy Thelin’s unbeaten Dons presents a unique challenge for Rodgers and his team with a place in December’s League Cup final against either theRangers or Motherwell awaiting the winners.
However, the starting XI does not seem to pick itself. Debate over centre-back, left-back and the midfield area have dominated public discourse this week giving the Celtic manager some food for thought.
Selection dilemmas all over the park
Alex Valle in action for Celtic at Fir Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star
Will it be Alex Valle who gets the nod over Greg Taylor? Who will pair alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers at centre-back? Bernardo or Hatate? Luke McCowan would also have been in the midfield conversation, but sadly for the 26 year-old he is cup-tied having featured for Dundee in the group stages of the completion at the beginning of the season.
Therefore, there are no simple answers for Brendan who will have analysed the Dons in depth and will be seeking a response following the Hoops second-half showing versus Aberdeen a fortnight ago.
“I’ve got a few decisions to make in terms of the team”
Speaking to the press yesterday afternoon, the Celtic gaffer highlighted the dilemma he faces over selecting his team for tonight’s match, “I’ve got a few decisions to make in terms of the team. I think all the players have value in playing. Every player because a lot of the guys have been playing have shown good value in how they’ve been playing and how they’ve been performing.”
Rodgers added, “there will be a role for them all at some point of course, sentiment doesn’t come into it. I need to pick what I think is the best team to win this game and I will do that.”
Arne Engels of Celtic scores the second goal from the penalty spot during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Where to Watch if you’re not going to Hampden
Kick off for tonight’s huge semi-final clash at Hampden Park is 5:30pm. The game will also be shown on Premier Sports. Celtic TV will also host the live coverage for subscribers based outside Britain and Ireland.
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!
