Celtic manager Neil Lennon is delighted to be able to call upon captain Scott Brown for tonight’s match at home to Copenhagen, describing it as a ‘massive boost’, The Scottish Sun report.
The manager has confirmed that Brown is again available for selection after having to be substituted off during the first leg last week.
He subsequently sat out Sunday’s game against Kilmarnock.
Another who missed the Celtic Park match against Killie was James Forrest, with Lennon also stating he is fit for the visit of Stale Solbakken’s outfit.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Hoops boss said: “You know how influential Scott is to the team with the way he plays. To have him back is a massive boost.
“I thought we got a little ragged and just lost that influence a little bit as well, which is what he brings.
“James and Scott are both fit. Oli is not fit and will be out for maybe another week. We had a great win at the weekend but obviously to have Scott and Jamesy in the team is a confidence boost for the squad.”
3-5-2 on the cards?
Both players trained at Lennoxtown yesterday and it sounds like Lennon will be naming the duo in his starting eleven tonight, with a variety of tactical options available to the manager.
Last week, perhaps due to Leigh Griffiths carrying a knock, the manager opted to go for a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Danes.
Tonight though with both strikers available and a strong midfield, it would be no surprise to see the 3-5-2 utilised so often in 2020 so far.
Ryan Christie is suspended so the return of Brown is very timely indeed. Paired up with Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham or Tom Rogic, we should have the energy and quality in the middle of the park to dominate the opposition.
Where Forrest fits in will depend on formation. He could well be tasked to perform in more of a wing-back role, providing as much defensive graft as attacking threat.
Regardless, Lennon is clearly pleased to have that kind positive dilemma on his hands, with two of his most experienced players ready to help the team into the last 16 of the competition.
What team and formation will the manager go with tonight? Have your say below in our comments section…
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