Squad management the big question of the week

All we can ask from an international break is for Celtic players to return uninjured, which appears to be the case as we head into the intensive weeks ahead.  It even looks like Mohamed Elyounoussi, who headed to Norway after taking a knock, has returned fitter than he went.

Players like Callum McGregor, Odsonne Edouard and James Forrest would have benefited from a complete rest, but at least they were taxed in only two games across the fortnight.

Squad management will play a big part in Neil Lennon’s thinking right now.  Livingston and Rennes, who both visit Celtic Park in the next 8 days, have far more important games after facing Celtic.  Livi play six of the seven lowest placed teams they can face before the winter break, while Rennes cannot qualify for the knock out stage of the Europa League and are one of seven clubs within a point of each other in Ligue 1.

Neither will see the Celtic game as a priority, we should plan our squad accordingly.