Giovanni van Bronckhorst yet another man down for Celtic Park derby

By John McGinley

April 23, 2022

Rangers defender Leon Balogun will be suspended for the upcoming match between Celtic and Rangers after receiving a straight red card in today’s match vs Motherwell.

The centre-back flew into a challenge on Dean Cornelius over the ball and was quickly given his marching orders by referee Nick Walsh.

It adds to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s personnel concerns having already admitted on Friday that Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe will both be missing their trip to Celtic through injury.

Alfredo Morelos is also already known to be out for the season.

Balogun didn’t start the semi-final against Celtic at Hampden but has been a crucial player for the Ibrox side this season, making 33 appearances in total.

He’s played a part from the start or off the bench in every derby meeting so far this season.

Not having him as an option will be a bit of a headache for the Rangers boss, given they also have European football and other squad issues to contend with.

Celtic are fully focused on tomorrow’s trip against Ross County in Dingwall. Three points are an absolute must there after today’s action in the Premiership.

However, there’s no point pretending next week’s derby isn’t a massive occasion and that any slight advantage for the Bhoys should be taken with open arms.

Regardless of who they field next week, it’s imperative Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys get the performance right this time and put this league to bed.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou ready to unleash dual Celtic threat for the first time in months.