It’s time for Celtic to get back to the domestic action this weekend.
Celts put on a brave showing vs Aston Villa and left manager Brendan Rodgers bursting with pride even after the 4-2 defeat in the Champions League.
The Hoops were without injured Cameron Carter-Vickers and the suspended Daizen Maeda but were still able to put on a show thanks to Adam Idah hitting the goal trail for the club again after some criticism.
Rodgers has always hailed Idah but the Irishman finally rewarded his boss with goals and despite the defeat it gives Celts confidence heading into their clash with Motherwell this weekend.
The Scottish Premiership leaders make the short trip to Fir Park to square off against the Steelmen this weekend knowing their 10 point lead could extend to 13 over rivals Rangers.
Storm Eowyn put paid to the Dundee clash last weekend but that has been rescheduled.
Yet before that comes the Steelmen on their own patch.
67 Hail Hail takes a closer look at some of the key takeaways we learned from yesterday morning’s training session where the squad were ran through what will be expected of them vs ‘Well who are without a manager after Stuart Kettlewell resigned.
No Schmeichel in training
Kasper Schmeichel has been the main man at Celtic this season behind captain Callum McGregor when it comes to minutes played.
The goalkeeper has impressed with a ridiculous number of outrageous saves and 21 clean sheets from 36 in all competitions.
Manager Rodgers claimed earlier the Dane is getting on in age and needs some days off from training.
So he should be free to play… sorry Viljami Sinisalo.
Jota is ready
New signing Jota has been hard at work in training this week considering he was unable to feature in the UCL vs Aston Villa.
The next round vs Bayern Munich is a possibility but the Portuguese winger must improve his fitness and he could feature at some stage vs Motherwell.
We predicted it would be Daizen Maeda over the 25-year-old but who really knows until the team news is announced.
Carter-Vickers is back for Celtic
Celts’ American defender was ruled out vs Villa in what was a disappointing omission for the tight tie.
But manager Rodgers has now confirmed he will be available again to play vs ‘Well if the boss so chooses.
He was then spotted in the footage training as hard as normal as he surely looks to add to his appearance stats this weekend.
Idah rules the roost
After Adam Idah’s brilliant double vs Villa, all the talk has been about the Irishman silencing critics.
Rodgers always praised his striker for his contributions but his confidence levels are high right now.
He appeared to train well and will likely start on Sunday again.
Daniel Cummings in with the Celtic first-team
The youngster has been superb with the Celtic B team both domestically as well as in the UEFA Youth League.
But it was the real thing on his debut at Villa.
Johnny Kenny was nowhere to be seen in the West Midlands so Cummings may be utilised more often as he was spotted training again with the big boys.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
