Celtic will face a stern test away from home at Rugby Park tomorrow afternoon on League Cup duty. The playing surface is always mentioned and with good reason; it can be temperamental at times and risk multiple injuries to our players, especially if it’s not watered properly as is almost always the case.
This week up at the club’s Lennoxtown Headquarters, a new face made its way through the ranks of Hoops players: Gustaf Lagerbielke. The Swede has been brought in from Elfsborg in his homeland to replace fellow countryman, Carl Starfelt, who is now in the wonderful Spanish sunshine playing for La Liga side Celta Vigo.
Maik Nawrocki during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 13 August 2023. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI
With Maik Nawrocki also in the door and Stephen Welsh signing a new contract with the Bhoys, competition for starting berth at central defence is hotting up. Liam Scales and Yuki Kobayashi are still at the club, although it remains to be seen if either men have a future under Brendan Rodgers.
There is chatter about who will start in those defensive positions as Lagerbielke is literally just through the door and Maik Nawrocki has not been in much longer either. It will be interesting to see what Rodgers decides on this coming Sunday when we kick-off our League Cup campaign for the 2023/24 season. All eyes will be on the teamsheet being announced tomorrow.
Watch the Bhoys train beforehand during the week for this one below…
Paul Gillespie
