Ange Postecoglou has named his side for this evening’s game against FK Jablonec in the Europa League Qualifiers. Celtic are in the Czech Republic for the first leg and the Australian manager has decided to give Joe Hart and Kyogo Furuhashi their first starts as the manager looks to get a victory in his fourth competitive match in charge.
The manager has decided to give 34-year-old Joe Hart his debut, despite only joining from Tottenham a few days ago. Neither Scott Bain nor Vasilis Barkas have made the role their own and now Postecoglou has opted to allow his new signing to make the No.1 position his own.
In defence, Postecoglou has partnered Nir Bitton with Carl Starfelt. The duo are joined by Anthony Ralston at right-back and Greg Taylor at left-back. The inclusion of Starfelt is a welcome boost but the manager will know that he needs major surgery on his backline if Celtic are to be competitive on all fronts this season.
In midfield, Postecoglou has selected captain Callum McGregor, Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull as his middle three.
In attack, he has decided to go with Liel Abada and James Forrest in the wide areas with Kyogo Furuhashi in the main striking role. The Japanese striker had a cameo off the bench in the defeat to Hearts at the weekend but will be hoping to really make his mark from the start today.
On the bench for Celtic: Bain, Barkas, Ajeti, Welsh, Christie, Edouard, Rogic, Urhoghide, Robertson, Montgomery and Murray.
#FKJCEL team news! 📋
◽️ First start for @Kyogo_Furuhashi
◽️ Joe Hart makes his #CelticFC debut🟢⚪️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀 🟢⚪️#UEL | #COYBIG 🍀 pic.twitter.com/wdSF9GgL2u
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 5, 2021
The club have confirmed that the team will be wearing the green and pink pinstriped third kit for the game tonight.
💚💗 Stripes on stripes ✅
The Bhoys will be wearing the new @adidasfootball x #CelticFC Third Kit for the first time tonight! 👌
Keep up to date with live commentary on our official Match Centre 🚨#UEL | #COYBIG
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 5, 2021
Come on Celtic!
Come on the hoops