Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, it has become unlikely for Celtic supporters to see the same starting 11 named two games in a row.
After building his squad during the summer transfer window, the Celtic boss stated his plans to utilise all his options this season as the Bhoys prepared to compete in four competitions.
And we have seen the 57-year-old live up to that promise, with his side juggling Scottish Premiership, Champions League and Premier Sports cup action in October.
Whilst some of Postecoglou‘s changes have been through no fault of his own, with several first-team stars missing out due to injury, the former Socceroos boss has still looked to rest some players where possible.
In the earlier stages of the 2022/23 campaign, changes to the team were less frequent, with the Hoops having just one game per week in the opening few fixtures.
However, as the fixture schedule has ramped up, so have the changes.
During the Bhoys’ outing on the road against St Mirren, Postecoglou was criticised for the changes he made to the side, with the likes of Matt O’Riley and Jota being left out.
Some supporters questioned whether we would anything like that again for a long spell after players such as Aaron Mooy failed to take their opportunity in the side.
However, following Saturday’s 6-1 demolishing of Hibernian at Celtic Park, there were signs that Postecoglou’s rotation in the starting 11 was beginning to pay off.
Rotational players getting up to speed as Postecoglou’s changes begin to pay off.
Against St Mirren, when someone like Mooy came into the side, they didn’t look too sharp or at the top of their game, which is somewhat expected due to the lack of game time.
However, it was clear to see from Saturday’s performance at Celtic Park that the fringe members of Ange Postecoglou’s squad are now starting to get up to speed.
Mooy, in particular, was a player who impressed, whilst James Forrest also took his surprising opportunity, scoring a hat trick.
For the second Scottish Premiership game in a row, left-back Alexandro Bernabei also showed his credentials and left supporters impressed with what they had seen from him.
So, although Postecoglou may have a clear first 11, now that the fringe players and other members of his squad are starting to get up full match sharpness, he has shown how he can trust his entire playing group.
Game time may be a little harder to come by for these players. But, the Celtic boss will have faith that they will push for a place in the starting 11, and when that opportunity comes, they are capable of impressing.
I am sure this isn’t the last time we will see Ange Postecoglou tinker with his side as he attempts to juggle the challenges that come from playing at the top level.
If some sections of the support didn’t already, it has demonstrated we can trust the Celtic boss to utilise his squad with everyone now looking up to speed and ready to go.
In other news, Watch: Emotional behind-the-scenes footage of summer Celtic exits emerges.
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