The news that has emerged which was reported here on The Celtic Star, that says Luis Palma is ahead of the game when it comes to his muscle injury is most welcome. The Honduran has his detractors and – rightly or wrongly – has received stick in recent times for his lassiez-faire attitude when he’s on the ball and pulling out tricks and flicks for the highlight reel as many accuse him of doing.
There’s no getting away from the fact though that Luis Palma is a very talented footballer. Maybe not a winger which we bought him as but I would very much like to see the South American deployed at no.10 at some point by Brendan Rodgers. His lack of any real pace hampers him on the left-wing but his technical skills are dazzling at times and he can definitely hit a shot, that’s for absolute certain.
With Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers returning to the side at Livingston and Reo in particular getting a good run out, it really bodes well for what could well be an electric game of football at Ibrox stadium this coming Sunday lunchtime. With no Celtic supporters in attendance once again, we really are going to have to dig deep for this one as I have a feeling they will throw everything at it (no quips about the officials please!).
But with the potential, for probably the very first time this season, to have a fully fit and available squad to choose from (pending the return of McGregor too), it could really be a psychological blow for Phillipe Clement’s men and more importantly, the irascible fanbase which are so quick to turn on their players when things aren’t going according to their own plan. If we can line-up with Carter-Vickers in defence and a midfield triumvirate of McGregor, Hatate, and O’Riley, with Palma and Yang on the bench to come on at some point, their confidence could begin to dwindle.
Even moreso, if we manage to get our noses in front early doors and dictate the rhythm and tempo of the game. Sunday promises to be pulsating. With a full roster of players to choose from, it could be memorable for the Celtic supporters and become just another Beautiful Sunday afternoon!
Bring it on!
Paul Gillespie
