Martin O’Neill has named his Celtic starting XI to face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox this afternoon.
The Hoops sit top of the Premiership after winning all six of their opening league games, taking 18 points from 18 and opening up a five-point gap over Rangers.
O’Neill’s side were last in action on Wednesday night when they edged St Johnstone 1-0 at McDiarmid Park.
It was not Celtic’s most comfortable performance of the season, but they got the job done ahead of a much bigger test at Ibrox.
Rangers have also picked up domestically after a difficult start. Derek McInnes’ side have won their last four league matches and beat St Mirren 1-0 in midweek.
Celtic do still have players missing for this afternoon’s game.
Alistair Johnston remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Callum Osmand is still recovering from an ankle problem.
Jota has returned to full training following his long-term knee injury, but this game comes too soon for the Portuguese winger.
Hyun-jun Yang is also unavailable due to international duty.
There had been a late fitness concern in the Celtic camp after Mika Baur picked up a knock and missed training on Friday, although O’Neill confirmed before the game that he would be available.
This is the first of two meetings between Celtic and Rangers in the space of seven days, with the sides due to meet again at Celtic Park next Sunday in the Premiership.
There is no second chance today, though. The tie will go to extra time and penalties if the teams cannot be separated.
Here is the Celtic starting XI to face Rangers:
Kick-off at Ibrox is 12 noon. The match is live on Premier Sports 1.
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