Celtic have named their starting XI for this afternoon’s Premiership clash with Kilmarnock, and there are several talking points in Martin O’Neill’s selection at Rugby Park.
The headline inclusion is Junior Adamu, who is handed his first Celtic start after his dramatic late intervention in the Scottish Cup against Dundee last weekend. The striker announced himself to supporters with a 97th minute equaliser that sparked an extra-time victory, and he now leads the line from the first whistle.
Yang returns to the starting side after missing out completely in midweek. The winger’s reintroduction adds direct running and width to the attack, with Daizen Maeda expected to operate on the opposite flank.
Reo Hatate comes into midfield following Arne Engels’ injury, joining captain Callum McGregor and Benjamin Nygren in the engine room. There was a thought that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could get his first start with Engels being out, but the decision still speaks to the Englishman still finding fitness. Reo has had a lot of critics this season, it’s a big call to start the Japanese midfielder with other options available. Let’s hope he can have a game to remember.
At the back, Kieran Tierney starts at left-back alongside Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Julián Araujo,.
There is notable strength on the bench. Tomas Cvancara, Luke McCowan and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain provide attacking options, while James Forrest offers experience if the game stretches late.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s place among the substitutes comes just days after his stoppage-time winner secured three points against Livingston. With Celtic developing a habit of decisive late goals, his presence could again prove significant.
The Hoops arrive in Ayrshire unbeaten since O’Neill’s return and knowing victory could put real pressure on Hearts at the top, with the leaders facing Rangers this weekend.
Rugby Park has rarely been straightforward for Celtic, but the manager’s selection shows both continuity and fresh attacking intent as the title race tightens.
Celtic XI: Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Hatate, Nygren; Yang, Adamu, Maeda.
