NEW SIGNING Vakoun Issouf Bayo has as expected been omitted from The Celtic squad to play Valencia in the Europa League.
Under UEFA rules Celtic were entitled to add three new players to the squad for this round of 32 knock-out round and Brendan Rodgers today opted to include the three loan signings Oli Burke, Timo Weah and Jerry Toljan.
All three have seen first team action with Weah leading the way with three goals to Burke’s two while Toljan made his debut on Sunday, replacing Mikael Lustig at the internal.
Valencia, who drew 2-2 away to Barcelona at the weekend, visit Glasgow for the 14 February first leg with the return seven days later at the impressive Mestalla Stadium.
Bayo actually played in the Europa League qualifying stages this season for Dunajska Streda, but recent changes to the rules mean that he is NOT cup-tied.
However, the Ivorian forward had not played since early December and is currently in the process of a mini-pre-season fitness programme to get him up to speed with the rest of the squad.
Weah, Burke and Toljan are all likely to start against Hibs at Celtic Park tomorrow evening.
Matt Corr has been setting the scene brilliantly for the visit of the Spanish giants in his brilliant series The Valencia File – on The Celtic Star. Check these out below…
The Valencia file (Part 4) – A linesman’s flag prevents Celtic playing a European final at Hampden
The Valencia file (Part 3) – McGrory of Valencia and the end of an era
The Valencia file (Part 1) – Celtic’s European adventure begins
