Brendan Rodgers must make the harsh decision and drop Mikey Johnston for the Aberdeen and Rangers games.
If Odsonne Edouard is fit, as he’s predicted to be, he must start for Celtic.
Johnston has netted his first three Celtic goals since replacing Edouard in the midweek match against Motherwell.
His two goals against Dundee were taken with real class, and he’s shown he has a bright future at the club.
That future may even be the present, but he should not lead the line against Aberdeen and Rangers.
Edouard, Celtic’s record signing, must take responsibility and be the focal point in the next two games.
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He’s shown on previous occasions against both Aberdeen and Rangers that he can get a lot of joy out of them.
These are two games that could define Celtic’s season, so they must start their best players if they are to win them.
Celtic’s away record has been pitiful this season in the league. With both games being away from Celtic Park, big men are needed.
Edouard, who has his struggles on the road, is due a big performance for Celtic.
The Frenchman, who cost the club a reported £9m, is the team’s top goalscorer this season.
The 13 goals he’s added to his collection have gone a long way to help the club get over the loss of Moussa Dembele.
Celtic are bound to be in a battle over the next week. They will need a physical presence up front if they are to stamp their authority over their opponents.
They can do that with Edouard. He gives the team a focal point in attack. When’s on his game, his hold up play is usually very good.
Johnston doesn’t offer that threat, he’s a natural winger who wants to take his man on.
Johnston will still feature
Although it would be a harsh decision to drop Johnston, it has to be done.
However, this doesn’t mean that he won’t feature at all in the next two games.
It would be unlikely that the returning Edouard will be able to last the ninety minutes in both games.
Rodgers’ masterplan may indeed feature Johnston at a crucial stage.
One thing we do know, is that the youngster will be ready to go and add to his growing goal tally.