Celtic team vs Ross County confirmed: Iwata's first start, global TV details, instant reaction

By John McGinley

April 2, 2023

Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team vs Ross County for today’s Scottish Premiership clash.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Iwata, O’Riley, Jota, Maeda, Kyogo.

Substitutes – Bain, Haksabanovic, Turnbull, Kobayashi, Oh, Bernabei, Summers, Welsh, Vata.

It has been a long old wait to see the Bhoys in action after the international break and a full slate of top-flight fixtures on Saturday – but the march towards silverware continues today in Dingwall.

There’s just one change from the team that defeated Hibernian two weeks ago with Tomoki Iwata coming into the team for the absent Reo Hatate. It is the Japanese midfielder’s first-ever start for the club after seven substitute appearances.

Elsewhere there’s an exciting bench with a mix of international talent and youth prospects from the Celtic Academy with Ben Summers and Rocco Vata getting the nod.

Broadcast details

Today’s match is being shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK & Ireland.

Abroad, Celtic TV are also broadcasting coverage for worldwide subscribers.

The game is being shown around the world on a number of other channels in countries such as the USA, Australia, Japan and, for the first time, South Korea. A full list of global channels can be found via LiveSoccerTV.

BBC Radio Scotland will also be providing live audio commentary.

Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Ross County

From the players available, I’m sure this is the team most fans would have gone with today. There’s no Hatate or Aaron Mooy, who are both expected back for the visit of Rangers, so it’s the natural choice to give Iwata an opportunity.

With Callum McGregor also in the team, it’ll be interesting to see if Iwata plays that more defensive ‘six’ role and McGregor is moved further forward in support of the attacking three. It could be a chance for the captain to show off his versatility.

It’s great to see Vata back involved after an ankle injury, while supporters will no doubt be keen to see more of Hyeongyu Oh and Sead Haksabanovic in the second half when Ange makes his almost guaranteed substitutions.

It’s a strong team, let’s see them get the job done!

In other news, German legend Jurgen Klinsmann planning Celtic Lennoxtown trip.