Neil Lennon has confirmed his first competitive Celtic side of his second tenure as permanent boss. The Hoops are in Bosnia for their Champions League first qualifying round, first leg tie against FK Sarajevo.
Lennon had a number of big decisions to make with new signings and returning players entering the fold. This is the line-up that he has gone for in the stifling heat.
Confirmed Celtic team
Scott Bain will aim to build on his 22 clean sheets from last season as he tastes Champions League football for the first time.
In front of him will be a back four of Kristoffer Ajer, Jozo Simunovic, Nir Bitton and new signing Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo.
The midfield will consist of Callum McGregor and captain Scott Brown while James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Mikey Johnston will play behind Odsonne Edouard.
The bench is strong too with the likes of Leigh Griffiths and new signing Christopher Jullien able to be called on at some stage.
An interesting selection
Neil Lennon has certainly gone for it by playing new signing Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo and Kristoffer Ajer – who is likely to play at right-back. He clearly felt Anthony Ralston wasn’t ready for such an occasion which must be a blow for the 20-year-old.
Any win would be a good result while a score draw also wouldn’t be disastrous. As long as the tie is well in our hands going into the return leg.
Confirmed team: Scott Bain, Kristoffer Ajer, Jozo Simunovic, Nir Bitton, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Ryan Christie, Mikey Johnston, Odsonne Edouard
Substitutes: Craig Gordon, Christopher Jullien, Anthony Ralston, Jonny Hayes, Lewis Morgan, Scott Sinclair, Leigh Griffiths
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