Celtic team vs Raith Rovers confirmed; Starfelt back, TV details, fans react

By David Walton

September 23, 2021

Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team to face Raith Rovers at Parkhead in their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final today, as per the club’s official Twitter account.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Hart, Ralston Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Montgomery, McCarthy, Turnbull, Abada, Rogic, Jota, Ajeti

Substitutes – Bain, Scales, Bitton, Giakoumakis, Soro, Bolingoli, Urhoghide, Welsh Juranovic

Today’s match can’t be underestimated despite being up against Championship opposition. We’ve seen in the past how easy it can be to take your eye off the ball in a one-off cup game.

Of course, Celtic have been rampant on their home turf this season. They’ve won six of their seven Parkhead matches, banging in 24 goals in the process. Tonight’s game against Raith provides a big opportunity for the Bhoys to rediscover some confidence after back-to-back defeats.

In terms of the starting line-up, it’s as strong as it possibly could be. Some may have predicted a call-up or two from the youth ranks. However, given the importance of tonight’s match in terms of morale, it’s no surprise we’re showing Raith the ultimate respect.

Carl Starfelt returns to the team in place of Stephen Welsh, whilst Anthony Ralston comes in for Josip Juranovic.

There could be two potential debuts tonight from the bench of course. Liam Scales and Giorgos Giakoumakis are both in the squad.

Broadcast details

Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:15pm Celtic Park Time. Kickoff is at 7:45pm.

Overseas Celtic TV subscribers can also watch the match live. UK and Ireland-based account holders, however, will only be treated to audio content, with a replay of the match available from midnight.

The match is being broadcasted in as many as 44 different countries across 22 different channels [Celts on TV].

Alternatively, BBC Scotland will be providing live text coverage of the match on their website.

Fan reaction to Celtic team vs Raith Rovers

It’s fair to say there is a major divide in terms of how people have reacted to tonight’s starting XI.

Plenty see it as a golden opportunity to give players debuts or call-up some youngsters. Others, however, are excited at the prospect of Celtic going strong and picking up a morale-boosting victory.

One of the main concerns is the heavy schedule Celtic are going through. With so many games crammed into the next few months, it’s felt by some that matches such as this one provide us with an opportunity to rest a few players.

But Ange simply needs wins and momentum. Hopefully, as the game wears on, we see some changes if the scoreline allows us.

Now, here’s a look at the reaction to tonight’s team:

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