Midfield, slow burner seasons, Kano

When contemplating his first competitive game as Celtic manager, Ange Postecoglou may want to paraphrase Vince Lombardi: half the squad are injured, half want away and the other half are inexperienced kids.

We have a few weaknesses, today, all we can do is own them and get ready for battle.  I expect Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Nir Bitton all to feature at some point, if not from the start.  If we are to have any chance, our new club captain, Callum McGregor, will be the man who leads from the front.  He brings experience and a level of fitness that belies his west of Scotland heritage.

The midfield core, with Callum, Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull looks like the most effective area in the team, they will need to dominate the ball and Ismaila in particular will be required to offer protection to the back line.

Martin O’Neill’s era started with indifferent preseason performances before the pieces began to come together of what was the third treble in our history.  I would accept a slow burner of a season this time around.

Special thoughts today for our old pal, Kano.  He would have run us through every scenario on what to expect from an Australian manager.  Some legacies live on, though, his sure did.

If you want some news that is not dominated by the self-interested or deluded, here is a wee piece on what your Foundation is doing right now with Islamic Relief UK to help homeless, asylum seekers, refugees, children and victims of domestic abuse in Glasgow.

Celtic is a wonderful thing to be part of, never take it for granted.  Enjoy the game tonight!