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Brendan Rodgers picks out Ross County danger man who will be motivated to shine vs Celtic

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Celtic travel to face Ross County in Dingwall this weekend, and Brendan Rodgers has picked out one man from the home side that the Bhoys need to be wary of on Sunday.

Without question, the journey to the Global Energy Stadium will take on a slightly different feel from that of the Hoops’ Champions League capitulation against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

Going in as favourites, there is pressure on Brendan Rodgers’ men to get back to winning ways and maintain their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 CelticCeltic6 6 0 0 20 0 20 18
2 AberdeenAberdeen6 6 0 0 12 4 8 18
3 RangersRangers6 4 1 1 10 4 6 13
4 MotherwellMotherwell6 3 1 2 9 7 2 10
5 Dundee UtdDundee Utd6 2 3 1 9 7 2 9
6 ST MirrenST Mirren7 2 2 3 11 13 -2 8

Forming one-third of what is, in effect, a Super Sunday that Celtic will be involved in this weekend, there is no room for slip-ups as storylines start to unfold across the division.

Nevertheless, the Bhoys are without Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor for the trip to the Highlands, meaning replacements will need to thwart any threats Ross County pose, with one star coming in for special billing from Rodgers ahead of the clash between the two clubs.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers singles out Ronan Hale

Speaking ahead of Celtic’s travel to face Ross County, Rodgers singled out Ross County striker Ronan Hale as a particular threat the Bhoys will need to watch out for on Sunday amid his bright start to life in Scotland.

He stated: “We’ve seen them play, obviously, in the sort of 3-5-2 structure. From the build-up, it’ll go directly up to the strikers. Young Ronan Hale has done really well coming in from Cliftonville, scored three goals in seven games, and he’ll have an enthusiasm to play against Celtic, I’m sure.

“There always tough games, (it’s a) tight pitch, we’ll have a great support there, and we aim to get back on track with a high performance level of what we’ve shown and look to bounce back with a good victory, but we know up there it’s always tough.

Turning into a prolific presence, Hale is also on the cusp of a call-up for Northern Ireland as he awaits the paperwork for his allegiance change from the Republic of Ireland to go through [Belfast Telegraph].

Celtic have enough about them to see off Ross County

Ross County will always be a tough test for the Bhoys. However, history is on their side, going into the clash at lunchtime on Sunday.

Celtic have won their last 11 meetings against the Staggies, a run that extends to Neil Lennon’s unfateful last game in charge in February 2021.

Celtic FC v Ross County FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Furthermore, they also came out on top on every occasion they faced Ross County last season, so there is plenty of momentum in the green and white corner.

Hopefully, three morale-boosting points can be achieved before the international break puts a stop to club football.