Ange Postecoglou details plans for his Celtic players over international break

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Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou says he’s got a “mixed bag” of situations to address at Lennoxtown over the international break.

While many Bhoys stars are heading off to represent their countries, there’s still considerable talent left at Lennoxtown. That, and a massive fixture against Rangers to prepare for when everyone in the Celtic squad returns to league action.

With players at different levels of fitness, it’s a good opportunity to either rest, or ramp up their training to get back into contention.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou explained [Celtic FC]: “It’s a mixed bag. We’ll give some time off to some guys who have played a lot of football in this period.

“We have two or three whose families aren’t with them at the moment, so it’s a good chance for them to spend some time with the family.

“There’s others who need some work, so we get the chance to put some work into some guys who haven’t played a lot recently as we know that once it resumes, that’ll be it, it’ll be heads down and going for the finish line, so I want everyone available for that.’

“That’ll be the first week, and in the second week the internationalists will get back on different dates, but by the middle of the week we should have everyone back and we’ll look forward to the next fixture.”

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has plans in hand for Lennoxtown

You’d expect to hear this, of course, but it’s reassuring.

Our last international breaks, and the winter break, gave players a chance to come in from the proverbial cold, whether injury spells, or worsening form. Players being given an opportunity to travel to see their families, too, is a fantastic move.

Ange Postecoglou knows all about working long-distance, of course. So, to provide that opportunity to players is good management.

Although the international break is often met with groans, especially given our most recent result, it can be a good thing longer-term. For example, it gives guys like Kyogo and David Turnbull to build match fitness. Ditto Christopher Jullien, who’s not really had major opportunities since coming back from injury.

Also, Ange can asses Celtic B Team and youth players, by letting them fill in for the international players at Lennoxtown. Who knows which talents might impress the Celtic boss enough to be in first-team contention at the end of the season? It’s a significant opportunity.

Yes, it’s frustrating having a two-week gap right after a 4-0 win, and before a Glasgow Derby.

But it sounds as if Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will still be at Lennoxtown, making sure his tactics and intensity are being stressed.

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