Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Dane Murray was in line for a starting berth in the Glasgow Derby before a late injury setback saw Maik Nawrocki handed the role.
With regulars Liam Scales and Auston Trusty sidelined through injury, Rodgers was preparing to throw 21-year-old Murray into the cauldron of Celtic v Rangers. But disaster struck on the eve of the match, as the promising defender picked up a knee injury in training.
“Dane was someone I was looking at for the Rangers game,” said Rodgers on Celtic TV. “Playing the day before the game he had a wee moment with his knee. We are assessing that and looking at that so he will be out as well.”
The blow is a cruel one for Murray, whose return to the first-team picture this season had hinted at a long-awaited breakthrough. After a strong loan spell in the first half of the campaign with Queen’s Park, Murray was recalled and featured in Celtic’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa. Since, he’s had a few apperances here and there and has looked solid.
Despite a nightmare few years blighted by injuries, hopes within the club remained high for the Scotland youth international. But with fitness issues continuing to stall his progress, the young centre-back may soon be forced to consider his long-term future if a regular run at Parkhead continues to elude him.
In his absence, Nawrocki stepped in and delivered a composed performance – a rare positive on a disappointing day for Celtic.
