Celtic return to action this weekend as they gear up for Saturday night’s Scottish Premiership meeting with St Mirren.
Martin O’Neill’s side have enjoyed a strong spell since his return as interim boss, winning three of their four matches under his guidance. Another victory would allow the Hoops to close the gap on Hearts to just four points. Tension is expected from the travelling support, however, after the club chose to bring the AGM to an early halt with more than an hour still scheduled.
Anthony Ralston to feature as Colby Donovan is given recovery time
Most of Celtic’s Scottish contingent enjoyed a productive international window, but Colby Donovan didn’t have the same luck.
The youngster withdrew early from the Scotland U21 squad after picking up an injury in the win over Gibraltar U21s.
Even if Donovan is passed fit in time for the weekend, it would be risky to involve him with such an important Europa League clash against Feyenoord just days away. O’Neill’s selection choices will be influenced heavily by injuries and players returning from national duty.
Anthony Ralston is expected to step in at right-back, and with the defender having been unused in Scotland’s victory over Denmark, he comes into the match fully rested. Callum McGregor, who sat out the international break, is also ready to return to midfield, where he is likely to be joined by Reo Hatate and Arne Engels.
In the forward positions, Sebastian Tounekti is lined up to operate on the left, Johnny Kenny is set to spearhead the attack, and Daizen Maeda looks ready to start on the right.
Celtic predicted XI vs St Mirren
Given the injuries and the mixed condition of returning internationals, several tweaks to the lineup appear inevitable.
Kasper Schmeichel should retain his place between the posts, supported by a back four of Ralston, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, and Kieran Tierney.
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