Ange Postecoglou has paid tribute to some of the players who aren’t getting as much game time as they like and made it clear to Celtic fans these guys are up for the fight.

The Celtic manager has put an emphasis on training hard and the people who show the most talent and dedication will win the day. However, there’s only so many squad slots and Ange seems cognisant of mentioning players who aren’t getting the game time but who are putting in the work behind the scenes.

Speaking to CelticTV, the Hoops boss said: “It’s not just about game day. That’s the result of a week’s work.

“Boys on the bench who didn’t get on against St Johnstone – Nir Bitton, Yosuke Ideguchi, Anthony Ralston. Stephen Welsh wasn’t in the squad.

“James Forrest and Mikey Johnston. All those guys every day at training are producing fantastic levels.

“That means our preparation is where it should be and come game day, everyone is ready to perform. We don’t discount anyone’s effort.

“The ones who play get the applause and the accolades. But behind the scenes, my respect goes to the guys who don’t get the opportunities they deserve.

“They want to be part of something special and they always make that sacrifice.”

Nir Bitton was a bit of an unsung hero at the last Glasgow Derby, The Israeli came on in the second half and shored things up for Celtic. Gaining the most interceptions out of anyone in the team that day in such a short period of time.

Stephen Welsh played his part at the beginning of the season and so did Anthony Ralston. The right back can probably feel the most hard done by when it comes to game time. The defender has hardly put a foot wrong, but it just so happens Josip Juranovic has been the better option and has been playing out his skin.

Ideguchi’s time in a Celtic jersey will come, it will likley be next season before the player gets the chance to show what he can do. There are no guarantees he’ll make it, but Ange will give the Japanese bhoy a chance.

James and Mikey have been injured a lot of the season and can’t really get up and running. Mikey’s Celtic career looks dead in the water right now despite the praise from Ange.

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