CELTIC stand-in keeper Logan Bailly will make his Scottish Cup debut against Stranraer at the weekend.
The 30-year-old shotstopper takes over from Craig Gordon, who is banned after his sending-off in last season’s controversial 3-2 extra-time semi-final defeat against Inverness Caley Thistle.
Bailly has been patient since agreeing a three-year deal to switch from Belgian minnows Oud-Heverlee Leuven in the summer following Ronny Deila’s decision not to renew the contract of Lukasz Zaluska.
The experienced No.1, who has also played for Genk, Neuchatel Xamax and Borussia Munchengladbach, has made only one competitive appearance for the Hoops – the 3-1 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice in August.
Now, though, he will get a start as the Parkhead men take the first step towards Hampden against the Division One outfit at Stair Park on Sunday.
Bailly, who has played eight times for Belgium, has an admirer in his glove rival Gordon.
The Scottish international, three years his senior, said: “He’s a typical European goalkeeper in that he’s very quick and lively around his goalmouth.
“He possesses a great spring and I’ve been very impressed.
“I can understand exactly why he was brought in. He is good with his feet, as well and is predominantly left footed like me.
“So, he was a good addition and I’m confident when he is called upon he will play very well.”
Bailly realises defeat is not an option against the part-timers who are third bottom of their league.
He said: “Celtic are a club with big history. it’s a dream to pay for for a club like this.”
The goalie is likely to be the only change from Deila’s usual first team regulars. The Norwegian is unlikely to experiment with his line-up in the national tournament which was the only domestic trophy to escape him last season.
Deila took no chances yesterday when he replaced Bailly with Colin McCabe at half-time in the Development team’s 4-1 win over Hamilton at Broadwood. Aiden Nesbitt (2), Gary Mackay-Steven and Sam Wardrop got the goals with Ben Reilly replying.
