Brendan Rodgers has thrown a huge curve-ball into the mix tonight, with Dedryck Boyata back in the starting line-up to face Hibernian.
Assistant manager Chris Davies told Celtic TV that Boyata had only just returned to training. Many would’ve believed this meant he had little chance starting. It certainly seemed as though the Hoops assistant didn’t have much hope.
But it’s massively positive news for Hoops fans that the big Belgian is back in the fold after Celtic’s official Twitter account revealed the line-up. It couldn’t have come at a better time either considering the red card for Kristoffer Ajer against St Johnstone last Sunday.
Just as big, however, is the decision to include Vakoun Isosuf Bayo on the bench. Celtic fans have yet to receive an update on his fitness in recent times. But it appears he must be more or less ready for action as he makes his first squad appearance.
Timothy Weah will also make his second start for the club after being a game-changer against Saints. He set up one and scored the other in the 2-0 success in Perth. Nobody deserves his spot more than the USA youngster.
Burke on the right?
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James Forrest’s injury seems to have provided on-loan West Brom star Oliver Burke with the chance to test himself out on the right. The Scotland international had some good moments against St Johnstone when he peeled over to the right-side.
That’s Burke’s natural position, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the role given it’s the first-chance he’s had to play in it for Celtic.
New right-back Jeremy Toljan has been given his starting debut. He made an impressive 45-minute appearance at McDiarmid Park on Sunday, with supporters raving about him.
Outside of that there are no other surprises. The likes of Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, Scott Sinclair, and Ryan Christie all keep their places.
But the return of Boyata so early is a massive call by Rodgers. Here’s hoping it works out for the best.