The Celtic supporters have been calling for Neil Lennon to field Diego Laxalt against Rangers on Saturday.
Laxalt looks to be well placed for a derby debut after signing on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season last week. The Uruguayan international has spent the last week-and-a-half working hard at Lennoxtown, with Greg Taylor his main rival for a starting spot.
Lennon has also confirmed since Laxalt’s signing that the player will indeed be fit to face both Rangers and former club AC Milan on Thursday. Speaking in a press conference published by Celtic TV last week, the manager said: “He’s been training. Obviously he hasn’t played much for Milan so far, but he’s fit and he’ll be available for the next games.”
And for many supporters, the time is right to give Laxalt a blockbuster debut in Saturday’s clash. Here’s a look at what some in the support are saying:
https://twitter.com/IrishBanksy/status/1316806682492768256
https://twitter.com/kevindempsey81/status/1316710655697850368
https://twitter.com/GENGHISFUDBALL/status/1316742276866027524
https://twitter.com/stevenking18881/status/1316727072610549761
Always two ways to look at the Laxalt situation
As well as supporters who want Laxalt to start, it’s important to highlight that there are also those on social media who believe it would be wise to keep him protected from being thrown in at the deep end.
Both sides have a point.
Laxalt, after all, has had a full pre-season under his belt and has played for Milan this season. There shouldn’t be a lack of fitness there, and considering he’ll have been training regularly with the Serie A giants this term, he should be in a good place.
Alternatively, it’s a new style of football and a totally different opponent that Laxalt may not be too clued up on. It could be the case that Lennon decides that he could do with a bedding in period as opposed to throwing him into a fixture that could make things extremely difficult for him if he doesn’t start well.
So there are arguments for both sides, but this ultimately shouldn’t be a player that needs protection. Laxalt is an experienced professional with 170 Serie A appearances and international experience with Uruguay. He’s competed in a World Cup and a Copa America competition too (Transfermarkt). He’ll be more than ready if selected.
You can see why there is a debate, but if our new signing is fit to play then it just makes sense to get him in there and see if he can cope with our biggest domestic fixture. He was signed for games like this after all. Here’s hoping, whatever Lennon decides, it proves to be the right decision.
In other news, Chris Sutton believes Neil Lennon is going to field a surprise starter vs Rangers.
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