‘I think’ – Andy Walker shares whether he would start Paulo Bernardo or Arne Engels for Celtic at Ibrox

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Celtic are on the cusp of their New Year trip to Ibrox and Brendan Rodgers has plenty of selection dilemmas to mull over ahead of facing Rangers.

Last time out, the Bhoys defeated St Johnstone to increase their Scottish Premiership lead to 14 points after their rivals dropped points for the second time in succession away to Motherwell.

Intriguingly, club captain Callum McGregor was given a rest ahead of the Glasgow Derby as supporters were given a rare insight concerning Arne Engels’ and Paulo Bernardo’s ability to dovetail in midfield.

The experiment worked nicely in the engine room, with both involved in goals for Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda on an afternoon when the Bhoys ran riot against the league’s bottom outfit.

With Thursday’s meeting against Rangers, Andy Walker has given a clear verdict on who should get the nod to partner McGregor and Reo Hatate at Ibrox.

Andy Walker makes Celtic Glasgow Derby midfield prediction

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Walker believes Engels should get the nod to start at Ibrox due to the £11 million Celtic shelled out for him during the summer.

He explained when questioned on the subject by Rob McLean: “I’d probably go the same, if you’re picking the starting XI I would go with Engels.

“I think when you spend £10-11 million on a player, I know he’s young and I know he’s got a lot of development to come.

“But this is a big test; this is in an environment where you’ve none of your home support; you’ve only got the message from the manager, the coaching staff beforehand.

“You don’t hear much during the game and you have to be in control of your own part in what the team are trying to do. I would go with Engels.”

Celtic have plenty of trump cards heading into Glasgow Derby

While the midfield options mentioned are all very appealing, don’t forget that Luke McCowan could also be thrust into the firing line after his own successful start to life at Celtic.

The important thing to bear in mind is no matter who starts; substitutes are likely to be pivotal in the event of a positive result.

Everyone has their role to play in a difficult environment with the absence of away supporters at Ibrox. Game management may be necessary to take the sting out of proceedings should the Bhoys find themselves with a slender advantage.

Regardless, Celtic should be more than confident in their ability to claim another statement result against Rangers after their excellent form this campaign.