Here’s a sports-style paraphrased version of your article — written in the tone of Sky Sports, BBC Sport, or Football Scotl⚽ Celtic Face Crucial Test Against Hearts as Rodgers Sweats Over Injury Crisis
Celtic’s showdown with Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday promises to be a season-defining clash.
Brendan Rodgers has experienced intense title races before, but the prospect of falling eight points adrift this early in the campaign would be uncharted territory for the Celtic boss.
Hearts enter the fixture brimming with confidence, while the Hoops are still reeling from a 2–0 defeat to Dundee in their last league outing — a result that has piled pressure on Rodgers and his squad.
To make matters worse, Celtic’s injury problems have deepened. Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston, and Cameron Carter-Vickers all sustained knocks during the 2–1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz, leaving the manager with major selection headaches ahead of the trip to Edinburgh.
🟢 Peter Grant Backs Dane Murray for Hearts Test
Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has had his say on how Rodgers should line up at the back, particularly who should partner Liam Scales in central defence.
Scales has been a mainstay alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers this season, despite the £6 million signing of Auston Trusty, who has yet to fully establish himself.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant suggested that Dane Murray deserves the nod if Trusty is not fully fit.
“I’m not sure what’s happening with Trusty,” Grant said. “Dane Murray hasn’t put a foot wrong whenever he’s played. As a young player, all you want is a chance, and if he’s ready and available, I’d play him.
“He’ll face a real test on Sunday because Derek McInnes will be targeting that area. But Murray’s never let Celtic down before, and game-wise, he looks ready.”
Grant believes Murray’s readiness and composure could make him the safer option for Rodgers in what promises to be a physical battle at Tynecastle.
🏆 Rodgers’ Big Decisions: Defence and Attack
Rodgers faces tough calls all over the pitch. Murray may be the logical replacement for Carter-Vickers, especially with Trusty being left-sided, but the right-back position is less clear-cut.
Colby Donovan has impressed in recent weeks, while Anthony Ralston remains one of Rodgers’ most trusted deputies — making it a genuine 50-50 decision.
Up front, Johnny Kenny is expected to lead the line once again unless Daizen Maeda makes a surprise return from injury.
With injuries mounting and pressure growing, Rodgers knows anything less than a win could leave Celtic’s title hopes hanging by a thread.
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