Roma have confirmed their starting XI for tonight’s Europa League meeting with Celtic at Celtic Park, and the headline from the visiting side is the inclusion of Evan Ferguson.

The Irish striker, whose name has appeared in transfer gossip linking him to Celtic over the past year, leads the line for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team in what is a vital match for both sides in the league phase of the competition.

Ferguson’s inclusion brings another angle to an already important night. Once seen as one of the Premier League’s top young forwards, the 21-year-old has had a mixed spell in

Italy, but Gasperini’s choice to start him in Glasgow shows belief in his ability to make an impact on a major stage. For Celtic supporters, it also brings back old talk about interest, trials and scouting stories that never moved beyond rumour. Tonight, though, the focus is simply on what he can offer in Roma colours.

Celtic go into the match needing points to help their push to reach the next round of the Europa League league phase. Wilfried Nancy takes charge of his first European outing since arriving earlier in the month, and the pressure around his early spell has grown after the recent loss to Hearts.

Despite having long periods of control in that game, Celtic were wasteful in the final third, something Nancy will hope to fix under the Parkhead floodlights.

Roma arrive with their own aims. Their form in Serie A has been inconsistent and questions have been raised about their attack, making Ferguson’s place in the side a clear show of intent.

Gasperini is known for demanding intensity and direct play, and the striker suits the role of a central figure who can occupy defenders and create room for others. His size and movement give Roma a different feel, one Celtic’s defence must handle with care.

Ferguson’s appearance in Glasgow comes with added interest beyond the usual pre-match build-up. His name has popped up in Celtic discussions since early rumours emerged, especially when the club were looking at possible striker options.

Reports suggested Celtic kept tabs on him during dips in form or reduced minutes. Although nothing ever came of it, the link lingered, making his involvement tonight feel even more notable.

The striker’s development has also drawn close attention in both Ireland and Scotland, with his early rise at Brighton marking him as a possible long-term standout.

The loan move to Roma was seen as a chance to regain momentum. Even though his spell in Italy has brought mixed results, Gasperini’s decision to start him at Celtic Park points to renewed confidence and belief that this setting can help him find form again.

Nancy’s team face a real test in dealing with Ferguson’s direct threat. Celtic are still without Cameron Carter-Vickers as he recovers from injury, leaving the defence relying on altered pairings.

The back line must be sharp from the start, especially with Roma looking to break quickly. Ferguson thrives when he gets early service, and stopping him will be central to Celtic gaining control of the game.

Going forward, Celtic will try to dominate the ball and build on the promising spells shown in Nancy’s first match.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s return to training gives the manager another option in a match where clinical finishing will matter. With injuries stretching the squad and AFCON absences approaching, striking the right balance will be essential.

Tonight brings together two teams working through change, Celtic adapting to a new manager and Roma trying to find consistency after a patchy run in Italy.

Ferguson starting at Celtic Park puts focus on one of Europe’s most discussed young players, and his display will heavily shape Roma’s threat.

Soccer Football – Serie A – AS Roma v Napoli – Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy – November 30, 2025 AS Roma’s Evan Ferguson in action with Napoli’s Amir Rrahmani REUTERS/Matteo Ciambelli

For Celtic, the atmosphere at Parkhead adds to the sense of expectation. The support will look for a firm performance, and Nancy will want signs that the team is absorbing his ideas.

Before all that, attention will turn to the Celtic starting XI, which will shape how Nancy sets up to deal with Ferguson and the wider threat Roma bring to Glasgow.

While much attention falls on Ferguson’s return to Glasgow, Celtic’s task stays the same: deal with the danger, step up to the moment and push their European campaign forward.