There had been plenty of talk before Celtic’s Europa League game against Sturm Graz that Brendan Rodgers might shake things up at the back.

Many expected Celtic to move to a back three, with Kieran Tierney dropping in as a left-sided centre-half and Marcelo Saracchi pushed forward into a wing-back role. When the team sheet came out, though, that plan was nowhere to be seen.

Rodgers has kept his usual back four of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Tierney. It’s a sign the manager isn’t ready to tinker too much as he looks for stability after an uneven run of results in both the league and Europe.

Saracchi, on loan from Boca Juniors, had been tipped to start higher up the pitch after catching the eye in training. His pace and energy down the left would have offered Celtic a different threat, but Rodgers has chosen the safer option of Tierney’s defensive reliability.

The Uruguayan full-back has settled in well since arriving in Glasgow and is likely to feature from the bench if needed. His recent recall to the Uruguay national team shows his form is being noticed, and his time as a starter may not be far away.

By sticking with the familiar 4-3-3 system, Rodgers has gone for structure and control over experimentation. Tierney will stay tight at the back, allowing the midfield to press forward when Celtic have the ball.

The idea of a back three may return later in the season, but for now Rodgers has kept things simple on a night when a clear game plan could make all the difference.