Celtic’s team to face Kilmarnock has brought one huge surprise.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who has not played a minute for the Hoops since making the loan switch from Manchester City, will be in from the start.
Simpson-Pusey’s lack of game time has been mysterious, as he hasn’t even made a matchday squad barring the two legs of the Champions League tie against Kairat Almaty.
Primarily centre-back, it isn’t yet clear if the 20-year-old has been moved to right-back, or if Martin O’Neill has switched to a back three.
Simpson-Pusey won’t care one bit – he will simply be looking ahead to a long-awaited Celtic debut. Stunned fans have had their say…
Celtic fans react to Jahmai Simpson-Pusey being handed long-awaited debut
Martin O’Neill has also brought Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan and Marcelo Saracchi back into the Celtic starting eleven.
The lesser-spotted Shin Yamada has also re-emerged on the bench.
READ MORE: Hugh Keevins called out for ‘glossing over’ Reo Hatate incident from Celtic vs Rangers
But there is one topic on the lips of Celtic fans on X, and that is the re-emergence of the Hoops’ number four after two-and-a-half months of waiting.
@Sellick414 said: “Wow! JSP is in fact a footballer. Never thought I’d see the day.”
There are differing interpretations of which formation the Hoops are going for.
@tonytimbetting said: “Is that a 3-5-2 I see?? Some memories flashing back to the glory Martin O’Neill days.”
But most seem to think it will be a four, with one fan saying: “I’m sorry who at right back?”
@nxd7v fears for Anthony Ralston, writing: “surely that’s the end of Ralston’s Celtic career.”
For @DJB1888, it’s a shock to see Simpson-Pusey… especially away from his preferred position. He said: “Not only does he make his debut, it’s at right back. Thought he was a CB.”
Will Simpson-Pusey’s debut be worth the wait? Are we about to see a classic O’Neill 3-5-2? All will be revealed shortly.
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