Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon will know that defeating Rangers next Sunday will give him a good chance of being named permanent manager in the summer.
To that end, he must pick his strongest team available. That means restoring the centre-back duo of Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic.
Regained fitness at the right time
The pair haven’t played together since the 3-0 win over Airdrieonians back in January for a variety of reasons. But both players have shrugged off fitness issues at just the right time.
Benkovic returned from a knee injury as a late sub in the 1-0 win over Dundee last week. Whilst Boyata missed that game, he was able to play for Belgium in their 3-1 win over Russia on Thursday.
The duo were the main centre-back unit for most of the season under Brendan Rodgers, and Lennon should look to continue that against Rangers.
Make up for poor performance
The pair will also want to make up for their last performance against Rangers. Neither player covered themselves in glory in the 1-0 loss at Ibrox.
Celtic’s defensive record domestically has been excellent this season. For the record to continue the best players have to be selected for the side.
That means Kristoffer Ajer is dropped and Benkovic and Boyata come back into the team. Ajer has had an excellent season and can come again. But the pairing of Benkovic and Boyata must get the nod.
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