CONFIRMED: EDOUARD ON BENCH, ELYOUNOUSSI IN

ODSONNE EDOUARD will be on the substitutes’ bench for Celtic’s Berfred League Cup Final at Hampden this afternoon.

Neil Lennon has taken no risks with the French talisman who has missed the last three games with a niggly injury.

So, the striker will have the opportunity to face Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit at some stage during the encounter if he is required.

On the plus side, however, Mohamed Elyounoussi will make his comeback and he lines up on the left-hand side of the attack with James Forrest on the right and Ryan Christie in his most natural position in the playmaker role in the middle.

Jonny Hayes has also recovered from a shoulder knock and will play in the No.3 position.

Lewis Morgan again leads the line for the champions while Edouard is joined on the stand-by list by Craig Gordon, Nir Bitton, Mikey Johnston, Tom Rogic, Olivier Ntcham and Boli Bolingoli.

There is no place for Leigh Griffiths.

The last time the sides met was at Ibrox in September when goals from Edouard and Hayes secured three points for Lennon’s men.

TEAM: Forster; Frimpong, Jullien, Ajer, Hayes; Brown, McGregor; Forrest, Christie, Elyounoussi; Morgan. Subs: Gordon, Bitton, Johnston, Rogic, Ntcham, Bolingoli and Edouard.

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