Martin O’Neill has named his Celtic starting XI for today’s vital Scottish Premiership match at Tynecastle against leaders Hearts as the Bhoys look to close the gap at the top of the table to just three points…
In goals, Kasper Schmeichel starts. The Dane made some smart stops against Bologna and he’ll be hoping to continue that to Tynecastle, as he targets a clean sheet….
In defence, Julian Araujo comes into the side at right back at the expense of Colby Donovan. Kieran Tierney continues at left back with a central pairing of Auston Trusty and Liam Scales.
In midfield, Callum McGregor starts alongside Arne Engels with Benji Nygren in the slightly advanced role.
New signing Tomáš Čvančara start through the middle with Yang and Daizen Maeda in the wide areas.
On the bench for Celtic this afternoon are Sinisalo, McCowan, Tounekti, Bernardo, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Donovan and Ralston.
Curiously there is no place for Stephen Welsh in today’s Celtic squad which might indicate some movement in the transfer market next week regarding an incoming central defender and a return to Motherwell for the former Scotland U21 captain.
Reo Hatate drops to the bench after his petulance in Bologna almost derailed Celtic’s Europa League chances with two foolish booking in the space of three minutes. The Japanese midfielder apologies to his teammates afterwards and today paid the price as Martin O’Neill opted for Benjamin Nygren in the advanced midfield role.
A lesson for Reo to learn from the experienced Celtic manager.
Celtic are looking for their first points of the season against Hearts having lost 3-1 at Tynecastle in late October under Brendan Rodgers and 2-1 at Celtic Park in early December in what was Wilfried Nancy’s first game in charge. Day one of a 33 day nightmare for the Celtic players and support brought to us by the world class in everything that they do mob running our club.
Today Hearts will face a Martin O’Neill Celtic side and will find that a very different kettle of fish. Three points Celtic, please. Come on you Bhoys in Green.
Kick-off is at 3pm and the game is live on Sky Sports.
It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop
All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?
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