Full Celtic team news vs Rangers as Postecoglou says Reo Hatate “tried really hard”

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou ended the speculation surrounding several of his players ahead of tomorrow’s derby against Rangers with a full injury update to the media.

The Bhoys boss has confirmed Reo Hatate won’t make the fixture. James Forrest and Liel Abada will also miss out. However, other doubts such as Aaron Mooy and Greg Taylor will be in contention for a place in the match squad.

Speaking in a press conference this afternoon, Postecoglou said on missing Hatate [Celtic FC]: “It’s disappointing for him more than anything else because he said he loves playing in these games and he’s had a major impact on them whenever he has played. So it is disappointing for him to miss out. He tried really hard to be available, but it hasn’t quite worked out.

“From a team perspective, I mean we’ve got Aaron (Mooy) back which is great for us. We have got good quality in that area of the park. Last week we had to play without that Aaron and Reo and the boys handled it really well. From a team perspective, I’m still confident that the team we put out there will be able to perform at the levels we need.”

Plenty of Celtic options remain

Mooy’s return is an undoubted boost to the team, with the manager now having various different directions to take the midfield. Tomoki Iwata could keep his place, or the manager might prefer to return Callum McGregor to the deeper position and retain Matt O’Riley’s services.

Taylor being able to start again at left-back is also important. Alexandro Bernabei scored a screamer against Ross County last weekend but the Scotland international is so crucial to how this team functions and we need him in there for this high-stakes encounter.

Overall, while it’s a blow that Hatate was not able to make it, Postecoglou has a strong enough squad to get the job done against the other form side in the Scottish Premiership.

Michael Beale’s Rangers won’t make it easy. It will likely be another tight encounter as the cup final and Ibrox clashes were. Nonetheless, this Celtic group have earned the trust they have built up with supporters and many fans can look forward to tomorrow’s kick-off in front of a 60,000-strong home support.

Bring it on!

In other news, Chris Wilder and Peter Crouch talk up the derby as the Celtic support prepares to put on a show.