Report: Celtic’s Tom Rogic set for first European start of the season

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Tom Rogic is reportedly in line to make his first European start of the season tonight, according to the Scottish Sun.

The Aussie didn’t start any of our European qualifying matches due to injury. He then only played 25 minutes in the group stage as he featured in the 2-1 home win against Lazio (Transfermarkt).

However, with Ryan Christie suspended and Olivier Ntcham sidelined, the Sun have stated that both Rogic and Nir Bitton have been put down for starts against Copenhagen.

Scott Brown, meanwhile, is still a doubt heading into the game with Celtic sweating on his fitness. He was taken off in Copenhagen and didn’t feature at the weekend against Kilmarnock.

Rogic managed to play the majority of the Killie game and looked sharp. Some supporters were pleased with his performance too after he came close to bagging a goal.

Would Rogic return suggest a return to a 4-2-3-1?

Rogic did play in a 3-5-2 at the weekend, but he’s mainly used as an out-and-out number 10. It’s unlikely that Lennon would take unnecessary risks for what is our biggest game of the season. The tie is also finely balanced at 1-1. Lennon could use the 4-2-3-1 to keep things safe.

Regardless, there are still some real issues heading into this one. Brown’s fitness in particular will be a big story in the run-up to the game. It’ll be interesting to hear what Lennon has to say about that in his pre-match presser.

Olivier Ntcham being out also isn’t ideal given his recent form. Hopefully, that’s just a short-term knock considering he also missed the 3-1 win against Killie at the weekend.

Bitton’s potential return, therefore, could perhaps be in the holding midfield role as opposed to at centre-back. Should both Brown and Ntcham miss out, Bitton would likely be next in line to take the spot next to Callum McGregor.

Hopefully, the changes don’t lead to too much disruption to the team. Fortunately we have strength in depth, and Celtic have shown in the past they can cope with a few injury knocks here and there.

Who deserves their chance if both Brown and Ntcham are out? Should Rogic be returning to the side for such a big game? Give us your verdict in the discussion forum below.