Dedryck, Kieran, Callum’s central mid role

When Dedryck Boyata leaves in the summer there will be a wide variance of views on the player’s time at Celtic, his performances against Newco in particular have not always been up to standard.  His nervous display at Hampden three years ago contributed to a poor Scottish Cup performance, but few have achieved as significant a performance improvement as Dedryck.

Whatever the personal issues which kept him out of the Belgium squad last week, it is great news that he is back at Lennoxtown and ready for action.

Kieran Tierney’s continued absence from training is more of a concern, although I’m sure Neil Lennon will not repeat the same mistake as Brendan Rodgers at Ibrox, and move Callum McGregor out of his midfield berth to fill in for Kieran at left back.  Jonny Hayes did well against Dundee and would get the nod, if necessary.

While results have been impeccable since the turn of the year, December’s Ibrox performance was a wakeup call.  Having control of central mid will make all the difference.  That will require Callum McGregor and at least one other with similar ability to move the ball quickly.