Celtic have confirmed their starting XI for today’s Premiership clash against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with Academy graduate Colby Donovan making his first-ever senior start.
The 19-year-old defender comes in at right-back following injuries to both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston, earning a huge chance to show what he can do on the senior stage. He lines up in a back four alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Marcelo Saracchi, with Kasper Schmeichel continuing in goal.
Saracchi is handed a start with Kieran Tierney dropping to the bench after carrying a hand injury. The Scotland international had his hand strapped up in training at Lennoxtown on Friday but is deemed fit enough to take his place among the substitutes.
In midfield, captain Callum McGregor is joined by Reo Hatate and Benji Nygren as Rodgers looks to inject balance and creativity in the middle of the park.
Up top, Daizen Maeda starts through the middle despite recently admitting he had considered leaving the club, with Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Elias Tounekti on either side. Balikwisha is still finding his rhythm after making his debut at Ibrox, while Tounekti makes his first start since arriving in Glasgow.
On the bench, Rodgers can call on Kelechi Iheanacho, Nicolas Engels, Paulo Bernardo, and James Forrest if changes are required. Tierney also provides defensive cover.
Celtic know a win would see them go above Derek McInnes’ Hearts at the top of the Premiership table after they dispatched Rangers on Saturday. Stuart Kettlewell’s Kilmarnock, meanwhile, will fancy their chances of making life difficult for the champions on their own patch.
Opinion:
It’s a big day for some of the new Bhoys. Donovan’s first start is a proud moment for the Academy, but it will also be a stern test of his composure. Balikwisha looked off the pace at Ibrox and must settle quickly to prove his worth, while Tounekti will be out to make an immediate impression from the first whistle.
As for Maeda, the Japanese forward now has the responsibility of showing supporters that his graft and commitment remain, even after publicly admitting he wanted to leave. Rodgers has rolled the dice with this line-up – today will tell us plenty about his new-look side and their appetite for the fight.
Celtic runnin on empty today almost 80% of play. One shot on goal (Sebo special)
Dire, could’nae score in a barrel of fannies.
Shockin link play (none aI cud see) tha bouncy castle is, as is always here.
Please keep tha baw moving near and in killie box, and maybe score fae a corner.
As it’s tha only time Celtic git in there.
See if any improvement second hawf??????
I’ll take tha win, Celtic Plc paperin over tha cracks. If it wiz’nae fur tha Var intervention.
It be two points loast today at tha bouncy castle’d swimmin pool.