Neil Lennon has picked his provisional squad for Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final versus Hearts. The Celtic manager’s squad selection has been revealed by the Daily Record. However, the manager will have a number of selection headaches to sort out before he names his team.
Goalkeepers:
Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard
Defenders:
Jeremie Frimpong, Hatem Abd Elhamed, Christopher Jullien, Kris Ajer, Shane Duffy, Anthony Ralston, Nir Bitton, Stephen Welsh, Greg Taylor, Diego Laxalt
Midfielders:
Scott Brown, Ismalia Soro, Callum McGregor, Euan Henderson, Luca Connell, Olivier Ntcham, David Turnbull, Ryan Christie, Moi Elyounoussi and Tom Rogic
Strikers:
Odsonne Edouard, Albian Ajeti, Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala
Selection Dilemma
The first issue that Lennon needs to address is who begins between the sticks. Conor Hazard surely needs to be given the nod following his introduction into the starting XI. Although, this would surely be a hammer blow to Greek Internationalist Barkas, who joined from AEK Athens for £4.5m. Barkas took the vacant No.1 after Craig Gordon departed but he has struggled to make any really impression since arriving.
The second issue is whether to play Kris Ajer at right back. Ajer being moved to right back has given the defence an outlet, height and a bit of steel. Not only that, with Ajer in the team at right back, the team can seamlessly move into a three at the back if Laxalt pushes forward.
The next issue is whether Lennon decides to on whether he sticks with Soro and Turnbull or whether he reintroduces stalwarts like Tom Rogic, Scott Brown and Ryan Christie back into the team. These players have been an integral part of the sides that have won the Treble Treble as well as playing their parts in 9IAR. However, Soro and Turnbull coming into the team have helped the team get a boost – winning two out of two. Whether he benches his captain and pal Brown remains to be seen but whether he does or not, he will know that the 35-year-old will be chomping at the bit to be involved as Celtic chase a Quadruple Treble.
The final issue that Lennon will be mulling over is who leads the line. Odsonne Edouard is yet to catch fire this season but he is unplayable on his day. Patryk Klimala will surely fancy his chances to make a difference – especially if it is in a leg race with Christophe Berra. Ajeti and Griffiths are yet to make a claim for a starting spot so it will likely be between Klimala and Edouard with the Frenchman expected to start.
