We’ve seen Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou pull some really shocking selection calls out of the bag in big games.
For example, against Bayer Leverkusen, few would’ve expected Callum McGregor or Kyogo back in the team. There was plenty of doubt that the Japanese striker would also make the Premier Sports Cup Final; he did, and scored twice.
So, even with Daizen Maeda and Tom Rogic representing Japan and Australia respectively right up until the Glasgow Derby against Rangers, you’ve got to wonder how big the window of opportunity is for a genuinely shocking selection decision.
Ange Postecoglou says it’s a “possibility”, albeit not a supremely likely one.
Japan play Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, a crucial World Cup Qualifier between 1st and 2nd in their respect group [ESPN]. For Australia, it’s a trip to Oman, and both players are probably expected to feature for at least some of each game.
Ange Postecoglou summarised their chances of making the next day’s Glasgow Derby. He said [Herald]: “I think they both play the day before.
“If they both play, you are not going to play two games in 48 hours, or 24 hours. It’s unlikely. On a manager’s salary, I don’t have a private jet that might be able to get them here.
“A lot of that will depend on whether they have played. I expect Tommy will play most definitely because Australia have a big game. Daizen played on Thursday, so a lot will depend on them playing.
“It’s a possibility, but if they have played the night before, even if we can get them here on time, it’s still hard.”
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou isn’t necessarily ruling out Derby shock but he’s not saying it’ll happen, either
Strictly speaking, Ange Postecoglou hasn’t ruled out picking Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda for Celtic’s match-day squad against Rangers.
But it does seem incredibly unlikely. We’ve learned never to completely rule anything out when it comes to the Celtic manager, but surely this is a stretch. A former international manager himself, Postecoglou knows the intensity and travel time involved with these kinds of World Cup Qualifiers.
After Tom Rogic’s display against Vietnam, he seems certain to play against Oman. Daizen Maeda started from the bench for Japan against China, but you’d still expect him to be involved at some stage. And even if he’s not, we’re talking significant travel time getting back to Glasgow.
Even then, though; knowing the characters of either player, can you 100% rule them out? Even for a spot on the bench, which would be a boost in itself?
Because let’s be clear; neither will start the game for Celtic against Rangers, there’s no chance.
The fact that Ange Postecoglou is indulging speculation is, in itself, interesting. However, it’s hard to imagine either of Daizen Maeda or Tom Rogic featuring for Celtic against Rangers.
That said, this is a manager full of surprises. You just never know.
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