Brendan Rodgers is looking to take no prisoners this weekend with Celtic’s firm focus on claiming three points at St Johnstone tomorrow evening.
Despite the Bhoys’ Champions League trip to Dortmund next Tuesday, the Irishman only has eyes on a result in Perth to complement his side’s perfect Scottish Premiership start.
Celtic could also break a 118-year record if they keep a clean sheet against the Saints. Nevertheless, they will have to cope without Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is still feeling the impact of a persistent foot injury.
There are relevant questions about the potential for rotation tomorrow in light of such a swift turnaround before facing Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park; it is only natural the subject would be brought up.
Nevertheless, Rodgers has sent out a clear signal regarding his potential starting line-up tomorrow that will please supporters.
Brendan Rodgers vows to field strong Celtic line-up in Perth
Despite his side’s Champions League excitement next week, Rodgers has vowed to field a strong side capable of taking maximum points at McDiarmid Park.
The Irishman explained his stance, initially addressing how he felt some of his fringe players receiving minutes against Falkirk last weekend got on.
He said: [Celtic FC YouTube]: “We felt that was the case (that it was a good opportunity); it was never going to be as fluid as what the team had been right up until that point, but I was well aware of that; I knew the risk in that, and I wanted to take the risk in that, so I couldn’t criticise the players for that.
“Their attitude was great, and those players that came into the team got some minutes in their legs, and that will prove valuable for us over the course of the season.”
Later, he added his thought on this weekend: “Like I said, it’s a game of perspective and for me, my look on it is we need to win the game, so we’ll put out the very best team that we possibly can to win the game, but I say in the best possible way, it is a team.
“I see all the players as my team; we’ll pick a starting XI to go into the game; it certainly won’t be the XI that will finish it, but it’s important for us to win the game and win it well and win it in the way we want to and then we can get ready, recover, and get ready for Tuesday.”
The potential for Celtic rotation against St Johnstone
Evaluating his comments, the most intriguing aspect has to be Rodgers mentioning that the line-up that start against St Johnstone ‘certainly’ won’t finish it, indicating he will make the most of his substitutions with next week in mind.
With Borussia Dortmund stealing all the headlines, it is important to remember Celtic travel to Ross County next Sunday, presenting another difficult test before the international break.
Squad strength is something the Irishman has previously spoken at length about. Eight summer signings came in the door, so there is plenty of room for manoeuvre in that respect.
Fixtures are cropping up on the horizon thick and fast. Celtic have the numbers to distribute minutes where needed; it is now about getting the balance right.
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