AARON MOOY pulled out of the Celtic matchday squad for the 4-0 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead yesterday.
The Australia World Cup midfielder, who is in a hot streak of form, suffered a reaction to a knock he sustained in the 5-1 Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren the previous weekend.
Ange Postecoglou decided not to risk the 32-year-old playmaker and, speaking to the Scottish Sun, explained: “Aaron pulled up a bit sore yesterday, so with those two [Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley] really fresh, it made sense for us to bring them in.”
IN FORM AND ON TARGET…Aaron Mooy lobs the ball over St Johnstone keeper Remy Matthews during Celtic’s 4-1 win in Perth.
The Japanese operator made the most of the opportunity and claimed to classy strikes against the Pittodrie outfit to follow up his double against the Paisley side.
Mooy now has a week to work on his injury before Postecoglou names his player pool for the Viaplay League Cup Final against Michael Beale’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden a week today.
The early indications are that the former St Mirren, Brighton and Huddersfield Town player will be fir for selection.
Kyogo Furuhashi proved his fitness following his shoulder injury scare when he came off in the 14th minute against the Saints. The 22-goal Japanese striker came on for debutant Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 71st minute against the Dons to dispel any fears.
CUP FINAL RACE…David Turnbull missed the 4-0 win over Aberdeen through injury.
David Turnbull, though, dropped out of the reckoning for the visit of the Pittodrie men, with ex-Celt Barry Robson in interim charge, the previous day with yet another injury setback.
The unfortunate Scotland international midfielder, who has scored five goals this season, took a knock against Stephen Robinson’s side and faces a fight to make the showpiece showdown.
Anthony Ralston was back in the squad against the Dons and that will be an encouraging sign for the player who has not been seen since he was taken off with an ankle problem in the 2-1 win over Livingston at Parkhead on December 21.
Stephen Welsh was missing, though, from the stripped squad and could struggle for the derby encounter at the national stadium in seven days’ time.
REO BRAVO AT THE DOUBLE WITH HOOPS TO THE FOUR
