Celtic have a long history of shattering domestic and worldwide records and love to play the role of trendsetter whenever circumstances align.
Whether it be their untouched quadruple Treble achievement or their brilliant 69-game unbeaten run during Brendan Rodgers’ first spell, the club always strive to break through glass ceilings in a unique fashion.
This weekend, Celtic have a chance to reach new territory against St Johnstone after equalling a 118-year-old clean sheet feat at home Heart of Midlothian earlier this month – winning their first five Scottish Premiership fixtures without conceding a goal.
Standing since the 1906/07 season, it is hard to believe that the Bhoys could find themselves in the history books once again if they can avoid conceding at McDiarmid Park, but it is also a testament to Kasper Schmeichel and his back four’s early season work.
Celtic’s chances of breaking 118-year clean sheet record
Previously, Schmeichel’s role in equalling the fantastic achievement has been highlighted in-depth on 67 Hail Hail, with his distribution and ability to make match-winning stops there for all to see after joining on a free transfer this summer.
However, credit must also go to his backline. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales have been his bedrock in central defence, with Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor providing support in either wide berth.
Rodgers admitted that Carter-Vickers and Johnston’s absence against Falkirk in cup action last weekend were enforced, revealing the former has been taking injections to numb the pain of a foot injury.
He stated: “Ali will start training with the team and then be ready. And Cam we will just have to wait and see.
“He’s had an issue with his foot, and he’s been getting some injections for that. And we felt that the game during the week there, he is just so brave and so courageous, he wants to play and put himself out there, but we have to make sure we look after him as well because it’s a long season.”
From the sounds of things, Johnston is being kept in cold storage and should be fine before too long.
Nevertheless, there is a scenario where his colleague could be rested this weekend with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on the horizon, so could there be someone else drafted in to try and help Celtic break another record?
Auston Trusty or Stephen Welsh may gain another start
First and foremost, three points are the priority on Saturday, however they come about. Still, there may be a case for offering Carter-Vickers some respite, making one of Auston Trusty or Stephen Welsh most likely to feature if he is told to take it easy.
Given his £6 million price tag, you would imagine Trusty would be the one to get the nod after coming through 90 minutes against Falkirk last weekend.
Match practice will be vital for the United States international as he settles into his new surroundings, and he is someone set to be relied upon over the coming months.
At an early stage of his Celtic career, it remains to be seen whether he could be thrown into a match with historical significance, potentially endearing himself to the support if he were to aid a clean sheet over the line.
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