THERE are at least three sound reasons why I would urge Brendan Rodgers to play Jeffrey Schlupp from the start against Dundee United at Parkhead this afternoon.
ONE: The experience of making his third appearance in the hoops since his loan arrival from Crystal Palace 11 days ago won’t do the versatile 32-year-old defender any harm.
TWO: With Greg Taylor failing to commit himself to the club after a sequence of breakdowns in contract negotiations, Rodgers will be looking for another dependable No.3 in the summer, despite the welcome return of old favourite Kieran Tierney.
THREE: A solid performance today could open the door to a successive place in the starting line-up against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
EYES ON THE PRIZE…Jeffrey Schlupp could be crucial in Bavaria.
Let’s face it, Michael Olise terrorised Taylor in midweek and emphasised his obvious superiority when he skipped away from the panic-stricken full-back before lashing the Bavarians into the lead on the stroke of half-time on their way to a 2-1 first leg advantage.
And I doubt if the Celtic gaffer has overlooked the unambiguous fact the Hamburg-born Ghanian international has more knowledge about how to handle the lively winger than anyone else at Parkhead.
After all, Schlupp was a team-mate of Olise during the exciting performer’s three years at Selhurst Park after joining from Reading in 2021.
His outstanding skills flourished in the London Borough of Croydon before the German giants were enticed into parting with something in the region of £50million for the 23-year-old flanker in the summer.
Schlupp trained every day with the emerging talent that has flourished into what we witness today.
Celtic’s deadline-day recruit escaped facing his former colleague in midweek. By a quirk of timing, the defender came on for Taylor in the 65th minute, just as Olise was making way for Serge Gnabry.
So, there was no immediate face-to-face confrontation which would have been intriguing as well as interesting.
ONLOOKER…Greg Taylor witnesses Michael Olise’s finishing prowess as the winger fires Bayern Munich into the lead at Parkhead.
Our manager does not require any advice from your humble scribe, but I wouldn’t spend too much in the deliberation process before pitching Schlupp in against Vincent Kompany’s team – if, of course, he comes through okay against United this afternoon.
This is a win-or-bust situation and Rodgers must search for every advantage.
I believe Schlupp’s nous of the eccentricities of Olise – and his penchant for dragging the ball from right to left – could be crucial on the evening.
Over to you, Brendan!
ALEX GORDON
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Dundee United this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
