NEIL LENNON has a massive decision to make concerning Ryan Christie before this afternoon’s Premiership encounter against Kilmarnock at Parkhead.
The Scotland international midfielder was banned and sat out the Hoops’ thrilling 3-2 Europa League Group H triumph over French high-flyers Lille during the week.
Lennon rejigged his engine room and brought in David Turnbull for only his second start and the summer arrival from Motherwell was oustanding and completed an excellent evening by netting the winner 15 minutes from time.
Ivorian anchorman Ismaila Soro was also introduced for his debut and he, too, put in a superb show while skipper Scott Brown remained on the substitutes’ bench.
The Celtic gaffer knows he must get it right against dogged opponents who managed a 1-1 draw against the champions at Rugby Park in only the second league game of a turbulent campaign back in August.
Hibs leapfrogged Scotland’s title kings into second spot with their 4-0 victory at Hamilton Accies yesterday and Lennon realises there is no scope for another stutter in the club’s bid for a historic tenth successive title. Now he has to decide whether to bring back Christie or try to find a place for him alongside Turnbull who was so influential against Lille.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD:
Hazard, Barkas,Bain, Frimpong, Elhamed, Jullien, Ajer, Duffy, Ralston, Bitton, Welsh, Taylor, Laxalt, Brown, Soro, McGregor, Henderson, Connell, Ntcham, Turnbull, Christie, Elyounoussi, Rogic, Edouard, Ajeti, Griffiths and Klimala.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Kilmarnock – only in your champion CQN.
