While Celtic have enjoyed the presence of their reported derby doubts in group sessions at Lennoxtown all week, two key Rangers players only returned to training today.
As we discussed earlier, Reo Hatate, Jota and Liel Abada have been given the all-clear by manager Ange Postecoglou to contend for a spot in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final squad. While it’s not been indicated whether they’ll be used in a starting or substitute capacity, they have all had a strong week of training.
That’s fantastic news, for obvious reasons. All have been stand-outs in various derbies over the last two seasons and all of them know their way to goal in this fixture. Postecoglou described the trio as “itching” to be involved, which is a good sign. It means that James Forrest is currently the only injury absence for Celtic right now. He’s due back over the next couple of weeks but didn’t quite make this occasion.
Beale not ready to rule Goldson and Kent in or out
Rangers fans are hoping both Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent will be available for the Hampden fixture, but with limited training under their belt and both of them being out of action for a few weeks, how ready they are is not certain.
Michael Beale didn’t give much away in his pre-match media conference, simply stating that they had trained for the first time since their injuries today and that he was waiting on how their bodies react to that before making any calls. Beale confirmed that Scott Wright and Alex Lowry also returned to training this morning. [Daily Record]
Given their defensive woes of late, you’d expect Goldson to feature if he has any fitness at all. It would be a significant blow for them if he didn’t make the eleven, as it was when they faced us at Celtic Park.
Kent may actually have more chance of featuring if he is fit enough for a place on the bench. It’s more likely that a winger is subbed into the game than a defender.
Ultimately it will be a stern test for Celtic regardless of who lines up in opposition at Hampden. The Bhoys aren’t going to get an easy ride here and must go into the fixture at their absolute best to secure a positive result. Hopefully last week’s draw against Motherwell has sharpened the minds for a must-win cup tie.
In other news, Video: Celtic prospect scores another Friday night cracker out on loan; outstanding finish.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
