One of Celtic’s toughest tests of the season awaits them on Wednesday evening in Belgrade.
Yes, Celtic fans are annoyed that they aren’t in the Champions League after the farce of the summer, but this Europa League campaign is a huge chance to see where they stand in the pecking order.
On Sunday, Celtic beat Partick Thistle to progress to the semi-finals of the League Cup, and despite playing against a Championship side, Rodgers went strong, including keeping youngster Colby Donovan at right-back.
This is because first-choice starter Alistair Johnston is injured, and so was Anthony Ralston out of action, until training footage emerged ahead of the Europa League opener.
- READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers explains his actions towards Colby Donovan moments after Celtic’s win at Firhill
Anthony Ralston returns to Celtic training ahead of Red Star Belgrade game
When Johnston got injured against Kairat Almaty in August, it was Ralston who naturally stepped up and took his place.
But the Scotland international soon followed suit, including being absent from the national team during the September international break.
However, ahead of Celtic’s Europa League clash against Red Star Belgrade, the players were training on the Parkhead pitch, and Sky Sports reported about a ‘familiar face’ in Ralston returning.
Celtic fans want Colby Donovan to remain in the XI
Despite the return of Ralston, the Celtic supporters would prefer Donovan to keep his place in the XI because of how well he has performed.
In normal circumstances, if your first choice returns, then he is straight back in, but in this case, Ralston isn’t in that boat, but he is still the senior player and higher up in Rodgers’ pecking order.
The point Celtic supporters are making is that this isn’t about bringing Ralston in, but not dropping Donovan because he is doing so well and doesn’t deserve to be benched.
@shanosm was hoping it was Jota: ‘Thought it might have been Jota, haha. 🙈’
@jg2394044 with a Donovan message: ‘Better wae Donovan.’
Another Celtic fan who thinks Donovan is better than Ralston, as @CC88____ added: ‘Donovan > Ralston.’
@saltandseaglas1 with a brutal response, but he wants Donovan to remain in the Celtic XI: ‘A face no one wants to see. Donovan needs to keep starting ahead of chunk.’
Another Donovan shout, as @NotoriousBAG_ added: ‘Hopefully, Donovan retains his place.’
@bomber77oy77 thinks Ralston’s time could be up: ‘Donovan’s been playing better than him, think he’s done now.’
@Johncarberry9 with an interesting take: ‘If Tony Ralston is picked ahead of young Donovan tomorrow, they would be as well shutting down the youth academy.
“I get Ralston came through the system, but let’s be honest, he has never been good enough to be first choice at Celtic, the good ones go into the team and stay there.’
@serendi04728279 feels it will be a ‘slap in the face’ if Donovan loses his place now: ‘Correct. Young Donovan has earned his place. Anything other than that is a slap in the face. Ralston will need to wait until his opportunity arises again.’
Another call for the Celtic youngster to start: ‘I think Donovan deserves his place in the first eleven tomorrow.’
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