Celtic interim boss John Kennedy arranged a 90-minute bounce match at Lennoxtown today as two players ramp up their comebacks from injury and boost his options, website VideoCelts has reported.
After his substitute appearance against Dundee United last weekend, James Forrest was in action at the training centre this morning, say the outlet, which bodes well for earning a start against Rangers next weekend.
Forrest has now come through two weeks of first-team training, competitive minutes and today’s friendly without a reoccurrence of an ankle injury. The winger looks set to play a big role in the remaining weeks of the season.
Also in action today after an extended absence was defender-stroke-midfielder Nir Bitton. The Israeli international hasn’t featured since injuring an ankle in a January match against St Mirren.
As we discussed through the week, he is already eyeing a comeback against Rangers and today’s progress at Lennoxtown is a sign he’ll be available for selection.
Kennedy isn’t blessed with superb defensive options with Christopher Jullien out for a long time and Shane Duffy proving to be a calamity this term.
Bitton is at least another player to consider, though coming in cold for a derby could be considered something of a risk.
This two-week break between matches is the perfect preparation for next week’s match and the players will have no excuses not to perform against Steven Gerrard’s outfit.
They have Europa League action this Thursday and could be drained for the Sunday fixture. Celtic, coming into the match fresh, should be the team that starts on the front foot at Celtic Park.
Can the players deliver?
In other news, Michael Stewart has sent Celtic a big Scott Brown warning.
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