Celtic manager Neil Lennon explained his thinking behind tonight’s team selection pre-match to BBC Radio Scotland (19:11).
The Hoops boss is very aware we have a heavy schedule right now and wanted to rotate some players in who could help with some of the problems he witnessed against Ross County.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland (live match coverage, 19:11), Lennon said: “We’ve got three games this week so we want to freshen things up a little bit and inject a little bit more pace into the team.
“Whilst we won 5-0 there were a few creases to iron out and we’ve got players ready to play, so it’s just a question of balancing the squad this week.”
Asked about the strength of his bench and what it means for the transfer window, the Celtic boss went on to say: “If we don’t do any more business I’ll be delighted. I’m really pleased with the business the club have done. It’s just a question of getting them up into some sort of game rhythm.”
Some may question the manager making so many changes to a winning team and dropping goalscorers like Albian Ajeti but he has his reasons, primarily to do with squad management.
St Mirren shocked everyone with a scrappy goal within five minutes of kick-off but Celtic have gradually asserted control of proceedings, despite a sloppy opening 20 minutes.
Shane Duffy was the goal hero to equalise, before James Forrest netted a rare header to put the Bhoys 2-1 up at the interval.
Celtic were much better in the second half against Ross County so hopefully the team will come out from the break and go on to secure a comfortable victory.
As for our transfer business, time will tell. Lennon is not exactly forthcoming about potential deals in the media and there’s no question a couple of positions need strengthened.
In other news, Celtic are said to be frontrunners to sign Ben Davies on a pre-contract.
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