Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic side to take on St Johstone at McDiarmid Park in the 12.30 pm kick-off in what is a nice day in Perth.
After the endeavours on Leipzig on Wednesday night the Celtic manager has looked to his wider squad for this match and there will unquestionably be an eye on Tuesday night’s must win Champions League match against RB Leipzig. A perfect scenario for the Celtic boss would be to get the game won with a strong first half showing then use his bench to keep as many legs fresh as possible for Tuesday.
Joe Hart is in goals and provides the experience and leadership in the absence of Callum McGregor. Calmac’s suspension relating to the red card picked up in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Motherwell already ruled him out today but the injury picked up in Leipzig will mean a longer absence for the inpirational Celtic captain. His positon in the side today is taken by Reo Hatate who drops to a deeper role in the Celtic midfield.
Anthony Ralston comes into the back four replacing Josip Juranovic who is rested. Cameron Carter-Vickers has passed a fitness test, starts and has the armband. He will be partnered by Stephen Welsh with Alexandro Bernabei starting at left back.
Ahead of Hatate in the Celtic midfield are Sead Hakšabanović and Matt O’Riley while the front three are Liel Abada on the right wing, Giorgos Giakoumakis through the middle and Jota wide on the left.
On the bench for Celtic today: Bain, Siegrist, Kyogo, Mooy, McCarthy, Abildgaard, Maeda, Forrest and Juranovic.
No sign of Moritz Jenz, not sure if he’s being rested or has an injury concern.
Kick-off is at 12.30 pm and the match is live on Sky Sports and on Celtic TV for subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland.
COYBIG
Here is the St Johnstone team news, remember that Adam Montgomery can’t play against his parent club today ( a rule that should be changed IMO)…
