Ange Postecoglou provides timeframe for Josip Juranovic inclusion after Celtic announcement

By John McGinley

August 21, 2021

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is hoping to include Josip Juranovic in training at Lennoxtown as early as Monday or Tuesday after the club announced his signature today.

The Bhoys have brought in the Croatian international from Polish side Legia Warsaw.

He’ll be immediately competing for a first-team place at right-back, with Anthony Ralston currently performing well in the position.

Postecoglou told BBC Radio Scotland before today’s big win over St Mirren [14:09]: “Hopefully Monday or Tuesday he’ll be into training. We’re really pleased to get that one over the line, we’ve been working on it for a while. He adds quality and depth to an area we’re really light on.

“Anthony Ralston has been oustanding for us but he’s the only right-back we’ve got. Juranovic is an experienced guy and a national team player. It’s another good person to have in our dressing room.

“It’s not about replacing people, it’s about supporting them. Anthony can’t play 60 games this season.”

Ralston is certain to play against AZ as Juranovic is not registered for the tie.

But with Ralston playing so many games recently and in need of a rest, it all means we could even see a massive derby debut for Juranovic at Ibrox next week.

That’s the first game he is eligible for. Postecoglou has already demonstrated this summer that he’s not afraid to throw new signings into big occasions.

It would be a massive call, but one I can see the manager making.

Still, those decisions are a bit away yet. Postecoglou will want to see Juranovic up close in training first. Players can take varying amounts of time to settle, so there’s no guarantee that the Croatian will be going right into the team.

One to watch as the week progresses!

In other news, Ange squad management, Welsh’s new role; 3 things we learned from thumping Celtic win vs St Mirren.