Brendan Rodgers has no worries with Tony Ralston replacing Alistair Johnston. The Canadian has been ruled out of Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with St Mirren with a suspected facial fracture meaning Ralston will start in Paisley.
Speaking at his media conference on Friday, Rodgers was full of praise for Ralston, who he handed his Celtic debut back in 2017.
“That’s the beauty of it. Tony, for me, in his own right could start every game. So it’s important you have that level of player.
“I see how he prepares himself and you see his tackle the other night at the end of the game which creates the opportunity for the penalty. I know I’ve got someone there I can trust.”
Johnston’s timescale for a return is currently unknown. The Canadian was caught by a late Hibs challenge resulting in a penalty being awarded and Johnston being taken to hospital. Ralston showed his commitment to the cause by flying into a tackle that he was not favourite for, winning the ball, which helped Celtic towards getting the penalty that Adam Idah tucked away.
It is likely to be a makeshift back four in Paisley with Bernabei coming in for Taylor as well as Cameron Carter-Vickers being covered by either Stephen Welsh or Maik Nawrocki. It is important that Celtic start fast, especially against a Saints team that will look to frustrate the Scottish Cup holders.
