Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou isn’t expecting the knock received by Greg Taylor in Sunday’s win over Ross County to be anything serious.
Taylor limped out of the match in the second half to be replaced by Alexandro Bernabei, who impressed with a stunning late strike to seal the three points.
Despite Bernabei’s impact, most Celtic fans will be hoping that Taylor is in the line-up for the visit of Rangers next Saturday and, thankfully, the odds of that are looking good.
The Bhoys boss said after the 2-0 win [Glasgow Live]: “He had a dead leg which hampered him. But it’s nothing that’s going to keep him out I wouldn’t think.”
Meanwhile, Postecoglou also stated before kick-off that Aaron Mooy and Reo Hatate are both in line to feature in the derby, too, telling Sky Sports: “Reo and Aaron were close but not quite ready. We’ve got a full week after this game and if everything goes well they should be available.”
Having all three available is a significant boost to Celtic’s options given their form this season. Each have unique attributes that make them prime picks in a derby starting eleven.
Taylor’s ability to exploit space as part of Ange’s tactical system has been a key aspect of Celtic’s progress under the Australian, while Hatate has a creative incisiveness like no-one else in the squad.
Mooy’s big game experience, calmness and composure are all big pluses too, alongside his ability to push and pull defences with his range of passing, spatial awareness and slick combinations with teammates.
Michael Beale’s team are likely to pose a difficult test, as they have in the derby encounters since his arrival. Celtic remain the only opponent to have beaten them since Beale joined from QPR
Nonetheless, there will be confidence among the support that this group can get the job done. They have far more often than not under Postecoglou. A win all but ends any talk of a title challenge from across the city, while a draw does them no favours either.
It’s very much a case of ‘bring them on’.
In other news, Dane Murray makes Celtic return after 12-month injury absence; Ange’s previous praise.
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