There’s excitement and tension in the build towards Celtic’s trip to Ibrox on Sunday.
Some fans understandably don’t enjoy this part of the derby week. For them, there’s too much hype and noise. There’s also a natural nervousness about what the outcome of such a high-stakes match will be.
Everyone knows Celtic must avoid defeat or risk letting Rangers march towards the Scottish Premiership title. Further, it’s a match that’s really hard to predict when viewed objectively.
For many, skipping ahead 48 hours and getting it all over with would be preferable to hearing any more about it.
There is pertinent news from manager Brendan Rodgers this afternoon, however, that every supporter will want to note.
Brendan Rodgers on Callum McGregor status ahead of Rangers
The Bhoys boss has been on media duties previewing the derby clash and has provided us with an update on how his squad is shaping up for the short trip across the city.
On the subject of captain Callum McGregor, who was pictured in Lennoxtown training this morning, Rodgers said in a media conference: “We will do one final run with Callum tomorrow, he has done remarkable to get back away ahead of schedule from what we first thought, but it just shows you his professionalism and how hard he has worked.
“So he will be involved in the squad and if he is then it will be great news for us in every capacity and will mean we will have a clean bill of health for probably the first time this season really, but we will make a final call on that tomorrow.
“He is the type of player that can probably get by at 80%. He has that level and quality. But you also have to think about the remaining games this season.
“It’s just about being logical and finding out where he is at with all his tests and measurements. We just have to gauge whether he starts or whether he comes into the game or what involvement he has.”
Meanwhile, Luis Palma is also back in full Celtic training and available after his period out with injury, completing the slate of returns if the captain also makes it.
Last week against Livingston Maik Nawrocki returned to the substitute’s bench after injury, while Reo Hatate started for Celtic for the first time since October.
As the manager notes, for one of the few occasions this season, Celtic have no major injury concerns. It’s a clean bill of health.
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