OLIVER ABILDGAARD is standing by to make a dramatic first start for Celtic in the Champions League Group F finale against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu tomorrow night.
The versatile Dane, whose only top side appearances have come from the substitutes’ bench in the midfield area, could answer an SOS and deputise for stand-in skipper Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The US international central defender has been ruled out of the match against Caro Ancelotti’s side after sustaining an injury in the 3-0 win at Livingston on Sunday.
TALL BHOY…versatile 6ft 4in Oliver Abildgaard could start against Real Madrid.
Carter-Vickers, a £6million purchase from Spurs in the summer after an impressive season-long loan, was left at home as the Hoops travelled to the Spanish capital.
With Carl Starfelt and Stephen Welsh also struggling for match fitness, it leaves Ange Postecoglou with only one recognised centre-half in Mortitz Jenz, on loan from Lorient.
Postecoglou, speaking to The Scotsman, said: “Squad-wise from the weekend, Cameron Carter-Vickers pulled a bit sore from the game on Sunday.
“The artificial pitch wasn’t great for him, so we’ve left him at home. Everyone else apart from Callum McGregor is fit and available.”
The Hoops, of course, are already out of Europe for the season after picking up a mere two points from a possible 15 from their previous five games in the section.
They are looking for their first win out of six against the reigning European champions.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart is likely to take over the captain’s armband against Luka Modric and Co.
