CONFIRMED: CHRISTIE, BITTON AND GRIFF START

RYAN CHRISTIE, who was banned for the 3-1 Europa League loss to FC Copenhagen at Parkhead on Thursday night, returns to the line-up for the Scottish Cup quarter-final meeting with St Johnstone in Perth this afternoon.

The Scotland international playmaker is one of three changes in Neil Lennon’s side as he takes over from Tom Rogic who moves to the substitutes’ bench.

Israeli international Nir Bitton comes in at the back with Jozo Simunlovic, who was clearly to blame for the Danes’ breakthrough goal, dropping out of the matchday squad.

Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer also play in front of Fraser Foster with skipper Scott Brown anchoring the midfield alongside Callum McGregor. James Forrest, on the right, and Greg Taylor, on the opposite flank, provide the width.

Leigh Griffiths, who came on as 70th-minute substitute for Mohamed Elyounoussi in the Euro exit, starts alongside Odsonne Edouard up front.

The Norwegian international is also left out of the pool of players for the crucial tie at McDiarmid Park.

TEAM: Forster; Bitton, Jullien, Ajer; Forrest, Brown, Christie, McGregor, Taylor; Edouard, Griffiths. Subs: Bain, Elhamed, Frimpong, Hayes, Rogic, Bayo and Klimala.

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Johnstone v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.