Hoping to see Jullien on the bench

Neil Lennon had the chance to assess players on return to Lennoxtown from international duty this morning but there will be little chance of any meaningful training before Saturday’s game at Easter Road.  Before the international break, the manager suggested Christopher Jullien could be back in contention for this game; it is an enticing prospect.

Christopher was key to much of the success we had last season; without his performances in the Europa League and, of course, that League Cup Final goal, the season would be remembered differently.  Despite that, there is reason to be cautious about his return.  His early season performances last year (Motherwell) and this (Kilmarnock) were well below the standard he reached when fully fit.  Not every player is a natural athlete, some take an extra three weeks to get match sharp, I suspect Chris falls into this category.

Easter Road is a big pitch and Hibernian have not been as encumbered as Celtic by international absences, so they will be rested and ready for the visit of the champions.  Chris has not played in seven weeks, the equivalent of preseason, I hope we see him on the bench.