Celtic face St Johnstone on Saturday looking to continue their perfect start to the 2024/25 season.
Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys have won eight matches from eight in all competitions, pushing ahead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, landing in a Scottish League Cup semi-final and kicking off the Champions League in fine fashion.
Things couldn’t be going better and Saturday’s match in Perth is not only a chance for the reigning champions to pick up another three points but also put pressure on Rangers ahead of their Sunday fixture against Hibernian.
With another big Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on the immediate horizon, too, there’s plenty for the manager to get grips with in today’s pre-match press conference.
The status of Cameron Carter-Vickers
Impressive Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has been suffering from a foot complaint in recent weeks which the Bhoys have been managing with protective footwear and injections.
After missing last weekend’s match against Falkirk, the manager will no doubt field questions on his status for the matches against St Johnstone and Borussia Dortmund.
It wouldn’t be ideal for him to sit out the trip to Perth but if that would ensure his availability for the Dortmund fixture then it could be worth it.
The United States international must be given as much of a chance to be fit for that one given that it could well be night where defensive leadership is key.
Alistair Johnston and Celtic rotation
Similarly, Alistair Johnston has had hamstring and back issues of late and an update on his status would be very welcome.
Rodgers isn’t going to give away his entire team against St Johnstone but it’ll be interesting to hear his thoughts on team selection with Tuesday night’s match around the corner.
He admitted last week made too many changes to his strongest line-up despite eventually seeing off Falkirk, but could we see a couple of key players such as Daizen Maeda and Kyogo rested again with Germany in mind or will Rodgers hint at a full-strength eleven?
Recruitment revamp latest
Towards the end of the transfer window, Brendan Rodgers stated Celtic would be reviewing their recruitment procedures after a difficult start to the summer period.
Although quick to point out the hard work of the recruitment and scouting staff at Lennoxtown, Rodgers admitted there could be improvements made going forward.
A month down the line, it’d be worth checking in on what the manager’s intentions are for the department ahead of the January window and planning for the 2025 summer period.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
