With Kieran Tierney set to miss out and Emilio Izaguirre being hauled off at half-time on Boxing Day following a disappointing display, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been left with something of a left-back conundrum ahead of the huge Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Saturday.
On the chalkboard
Izaguirre has filled in for Tierney in recent matches with the Scotland international currently missing because of injury, but he gave away a cheap penalty in the opening 45 minutes at Pittodrie on Tuesday before being replaced by winger Jonny Hayes at the interval.
The 31-year-old provided an increased attacking threat against the Dons but it may be too much of a risk to start him again away against Steven Gerrard’s men – whom they are only three points clear of at the Scottish Premiership summit – while Izaguirre could be seen as too error-prone to take up the mantle either on what should be a ferocious atmosphere in Glasgow.
What should Rodgers do?
Well, if Tierney does indeed miss out then the Northern Irishman should make a bold call and start 20-year-old Anthony Ralston on the left flank, after he impressed by keeping successive clean sheets in the 3-0 wins against Motherwell and Dundee respectively earlier this month.
The youngster showed defensive nous and provided an attacking outlet on both occasions, and the fact that he was calm and assured won’t have gone unnoticed by his manager and the Parkhead faithful.
With Mikael Lustig back at right-back Ralston is unlikely to get a chance to be a Celtic hero at right-back on Saturday, but he could still be one if he is given an opportunity on the opposite side and manages to keep Rangers winger Daniel Candeias quiet.
Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below...
