Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic legend Frank McAvennie has told the Open Goal podcast he wants Jeremy Toljan to start over Mikael Lustig against Rangers.

The Hoops hero gave his view ahead of Sunday’s crunch Glasgow Derby tie at Parkhead.

He believes that the more attacking German is a better option up against Rangers’ wingers.

However, defending should always be number one priority and McAvennie is wrong on this one.

Celtic must think about defence as well as attack

The 59-year-old ex-striker believes the Borussia Dortmund loanee has what it takes for a Rangers start.

He told the Open Goal podcast: “He can get up the pitch and make Kent think about going the other way.

“Lustig loves going up, but he can’t get back. Toljan has got that energy.”

What McAvennie says is true but only looking at it through the attacking angle of Lustig.

His first job is to defend and by far he is better at doing that than Toljan who gets caught out.

The German commits silly fouls and pulls opponents back when he knows he’s been beaten which is a cheap way to pick up a yellow card in a derby.

He was sent off after being caught out twice in Valencia, albeit by a much higher calibre of player.

Only question mark is Lustig fitness

The only reason Toljan should be in contention of starting the match is if Lustig is injured.

There is no need to risk the Swedish international as the game will definitely be physical.

He came off early in his first match away with his country and came off the bench in the second against Norway.

However, if he’s on the bench for Sweden, then he should be fit enough to play the match on Sunday.

Celtic should get the result out the way first before making any changes to the team to preserve players.

It’s a derby and this is massive. Lustig more than anyone will know this and want to play.