Hatate and Taylor – Here’s hoping they make it

With only one more sleep until the Glasgow derby, injury concerns have been clouding us all week, namely Greg Taylor and Reo Hatate both of whom as we know are carrying knocks. Aaron Mooy will be ok which is a boost as the Aussie has been instrumental for us this term.

Heart Of Midlothian v Celtic – Aaron Mooy celebrates Celtic’s 1st goal during the Scottish Cup match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday March 11, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Ange will give an update later today. Here’s hoping it’s a positive one. Let’s not kid ourselves, Hatate and Taylor are two of our most valuable players. Even at eighty percent fit they are worth the gamble. It was obvious we missed Reo’s creativity in the game against Ross County.

Celtic s Greg Taylor celebrates scoring the winning goal at Tynecastle Saturday October 22, 2022. Photo Jane Barlow

In Taylor’s case, he gives us a solidness, he’s not the most stand out of players but he does his job well and always gives a hundred and ten percent. Remember the last league derby at Ibrox? We looked all over the place when he went off. Fingers crossed both are available.

That’s not a slight on Alexandro Bernabei who will step in if Taylor fails to make it. He has the makings of a decent player and his time will come, his goal last week at Dingwall was sublime, I just feel we’re better off with Taylor in the side especially for a game as big as this.

The same goes in midfield, Matt O’Riley will most likely deputise for Reo, and will give his all, but to be honest he’s been out of sorts the past few weeks and doesn’t give us the creativity the Japanese man does.

Liel Abada – Photo Kenny Ramsay

Liel Abada will also miss the game according to reports. The Israeli might not have been in contention for a start, but he would have been a great option from the bench. We all know his superb record in derby matches. Let’s hope he too is available soon.

Whatever side lines up tomorrow we can be sure they will give everything and will go all out to get a result. We will give them tremendous backing as we always do. It will be even better if we are at full strength.

Just An Ordinary Bhoy

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

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