Manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed his Celtic team vs Ross County for today’s Scottish Premiership opener at Celtic Park.
The full matchday squad is as follows:
Starting XI – Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Nawrocki, Taylor, McGregor, Turnbull, O’Riley, Abada, Maeda, Kyogo.
Substitutes – Bain, Starfelt, Yang, Holm, Oh, Kwon, Tomoki, Hatate, Forrest.
It’s a big day for Celtic, the coaching staff, players and supporters. The start of a new season is always a special occasion and there’ll be a nod to last season’s success when James Forrest unfurls the league flag.
Despite the occasion, ultimately, it’s about the three points. Rodgers has named a very strong team for that purpose.
Cameron Carter-Vickers makes it back in time for the big kick-off, partnered with new signing Maik Nawrocki. David Turnbull is given the nod in midfield over Reo Hatate, while Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi are tasked with causing the County defence problems.
Broadcast details
Today’s match is on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football for those not attending the sold-out Flag Day clash.
Celtic TV are also broadcasting the fixture to subscribers outside of the UK & Ireland.
The match is also being carried by dozens of channels around the world including CBS Sports Network in the USA, beIN Sports in Australia and SPOTV in South Korea. A full list of global broadcasters can be found via LiveSoccerTV.
BBC Radio Scotland are also providing live audio commentary across their platforms, despite currently being shut out of news conferences.
Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Ross County
The surprise is David Turnbull’s inclusion over Hatate. But it’s not completely without merit. Turnbull has been flying in pre-season and was very impressive on Tuesday night against Athletic Club. Rodgers is clearly looking to harness that, especially with Hatate having an off night himself.
Elsewhere, it’s a huge day for Nawrocki. With transfer rumours circling Carl Starfelt, this is a big chance for the Polish youth international to show he is a firm part of the future in the Celtic defence.
This is an exciting, attacking team that can get goals and dominate this fixture. There should be no doubt about the three points if the Bhoys play to the best of their abilities.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers sends defiant message ahead of Celtic season opener.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
