Neil Lennon is keeping his cards close to his chest about a potential debut for new Celtic man Diego Laxalt tomorrow.
The Celtic boss was asked earlier about the possibility of throwing in the Uruguayan for a derby debut at Parkhead.
However, Lennon wasn’t giving much away as he answered reporter Ronnie Esplin’s optimistic question in brilliant fashion.
With a smirk on his face, Lennon said: “I’m not going to tell you that Ronnie. You know better than that Ronnie.” (Official Celtic YouTube, 11 mins)
After being pushed whether Laxalt was fit and ready to start, Lennon said: “If required, yes.”
Laxalt will be ready for Celtic Park clash
With so little to go on over the past fortnight maybe I’m getting a little bit needy.
Maybe I’m reading too much into things. But hear me out.
There was definitely a little glint in the gaffer’s eye as he answered the searching question on Laxalt.
Lennon looked like a man at ease with the prospect of putting the 27-year-old into his first game tomorrow.
With our fixture list so daunting over the next month or so, Laxalt’s debut is guaranteed to come in a big game.
If it’s not tomorrow then it’ll be against AC Milan. If not that, then at Pittodrie. Or Lille the following midweek.
Might as well give him a shot tomorrow, eh? He’s been on AC Milan’s bench consistently this season, showing he is more than up to speed and ready to play games.
This is a guy who’s played in a World Cup quarter-final after all. A game against Scott Arfield and Glen Kamara isn’t likely to faze him.
In other news, Mohamed Elyounoussi says he’ll be fit to play if selected for tomorrow’s game
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