The World Cup might still be going on, but we’re fully back in Celtic mode ten days out from the bhoys returning to action.
There are four games to be played before the second Glasgow Derby of the season — we’re in no way discounting those games and know Celtic are in for a tough festive period. We’ll be covering the games as they come up.
While we’re still waiting on the return of the Hoops, the kind does wander to the Glasgow Derby and the different matchday squad permutations.
There are so many exciting variables, but none more so than the duo of Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston who can’t be registered until the Glasgow Derby. Under normal circumstances I’d be against either being in the squad so early, but in the case of both, they’ll be in the door and training with their Celtic teammates for at least a couple of weeks before the game. Yuki will have had a month to settle in to life at the club, Alistair less so as he’s taking a well earned holiday after the World Cup before joining up with Ange and the bhoys.
You can’t rule out either making their debut at Ibrox at some point during the game. If a club comes in for Juranovic before the window officially opens and Ralston gets injured then Alistair would be up! Two massive IFs in there and all things being the same as they are now, Josip or Ralston will start the game.
There’s more competition at the back for Yuki to try and make his debut in the derby. CCV will have rejoined the squad and we have Carl Starfelt back to full fitness. If the result goes our way, a cameo could be possible.
The squad itself will have to come through the games against Aberdeen, Livi, St Johnstone and Hibernian before we know who is and isn’t available. The signs are captain Cal will be back and ready to go, which would be a major boost.
This is an exciting prospect and we haven’t even gotten to the question of who starts in the front three. Giak or Kyogo? Is Hacksa in with a shout who would also be making his derby debut!
Can you tell we’re desperate to see the bhoys back in action?! The World Cup is great but it’s not Celtic!
