Celtic’s upcoming friendly against Rennes could be one of the more interesting pre-season friendlies to take place in recent years.
There could be a Celtic Park return for Leigh Griffiths, not to mention starts for exciting youngsters Armstrong Okoflex and Karamoko Dembele.
Circumstances dictate that player will start game
There is one player that circumstances have dictated seems certain to start the game – that is Celtic’s makeshift left-back Jonny Hayes.
Hayes will need some game time ahead of the Champions League qualifier against Sarajevo next Wednesday. This is due to Celtic’s injury situation at left-back.
Hoops struck by injuries in key area
Kieran Tierney still recovering from his double hernia operation. Recent signing Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo suffered an injury in the first leg against Sarajevo.
That leaves Hayes as the only recognised left-back that is currently in the Hoops squad. Therefore, it seems certain that he will play at least part of the game against Rennes.
Maybe Calvin Miller could come into the squad as well. He has played left-back previously for the Hoops.
Neil Lennon may limit Hayes’ game time against Rennes to an hour perhaps. Should Hayes suffer an injury, it would be a huge blow to the Hoops.
That might just be a gamble that Celtic have to take however. It is highly unlikely that the Hoops will sign another left-back this summer.
Therefore, until the injury situation clears up, the position looks set to be Hayes’.
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