Celtic face off against Hibernian in today’s League Cup final at Hampden in what will be Ange Postecoglou’s first final since taking charge of the club.
Hampden Park will be on wheels today as the Celtic support back Ange to bring his first trophy back to the Parkhead trophy room. A statement today that Bernard Higgins will also not be joining the club after months of protest and unrest is sure to add to the atmosphere.
The Australian’s personality has been infectious from day one. From the way he deals with the Scottish media to the respect he has shown to the Celtic support, the club’s history and origins make every Celt want to see the manager win silverware this afternoon.
The new manager has had to deal with a depleted squad since he arrived in the door and has been playing with a patched-up team for the last few weeks while still grinding out results.
It is believed once January arrives Ange already has 3-4 new signings already lined up. The bulk of his signings so far have made an incredible impact so far. But, Celtic will have to play today’s game with the absence of some key players.
Portuguese winger Jota has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury and the Hoops boss had previously said Swiss striker Albian Ajeti, also suffering from a hamstring problem, would probably not be back before the winter break while Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis had a clean-up operation of his knee.
Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest and Mikey Johnston also missed the midweek cinch Premiership win at Ross County and Postecoglou will give them every chance to make the showpiece occasion.
All eyes are on the forward positions today in hope that one Kyogo Furuhashi will be in the starting lineup or at least on the bench. With the teams just announced, this is how the Celtic team line up today:
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Here's our #PremierSportsCupFinal team news! ?⚪️#COYBIG ? pic.twitter.com/xkzGDbg3U8
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 19, 2021
Fanstic news is that Kyogo starts today. Now it is up to Abada and Johnston to get balls into his feet and let him do what he does best. James Forrest is nowhere near the squad as his injuries continue to plague him for well over a year now.
Greg Taylor comes back into the starting eleven with Tom Rogic but Tony Ralston on the bench is the big let down from the team sheet.
Kick-off is 3 pm.
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