BRENDAN RODGERS is ready to welcome back crocked trio Callum McGregor, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn for the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final showdown against Aberdeen at Hampden on Saturday evening.
All three sat out Celtic’s 2-0 Premiership victory over Dundee at Parkhead last night where the hosts had to wait until the hour mark for the breakthrough goal which was supplied by substitute Alistair Johnston.
Arne Engels rolled in an exquisite penalty-kick shortly afterwards to cement the victory that kept the Hoops in pole position with a far superior goal difference than the Dons who prepared for the national stadium confrontation with a 2-1 success over Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side at Pittodrie.
LOST IN THOUGHT…Brendan Rodgers watches as Celtic attempt to find a breakthrough against Dundee.
The Govan club are now nine points adrift after losing their third Premiership game of the term following only 10 outings.
Rodgers, though, is now focusing on the first piece of silverware of the season – with the League Cup Final due on December 15 – and making sure he has a full squad available for what is shaping up to be a dramatic encounter.
Looking at his trio of missing stars, the Celtic gaffer delivered a confident message as he said: “All three will be fine.
“Nicolas Kuhn had a sore hip after the game at the weekend, but he trained today, so that was good. Callum and Adam, as well. We’ll see their reaction. Hopefully, it will be alright.”
Reflecting on the reckless and dangerous stoppage-time challenge on the Republic of Ireland international frontman that earned Motherwell defender Liam Gordon a red card, Rodgers remarked: “Yes, I think he [Adam] has got away with one there.
“He is still a bit sore, his ankle a bit swollen, but the medical team tell me he’s done a bit of work today. So, hopefully, no reaction to it.
AGONY…Adam Idah is left writing in pain after Motherwell defender Liam Gordon’s red-card challenge.
“It was a poor challenge. I think everyone could see that. But, yes, we’ve had, and he’s had, more importantly, that little bit of luck because he’s a very, very important player for us in our squad.”
The title race is shaping up nicely, but Rodgers, speaking to The Scotsman, stressed: “Listen, Aberdeen have had a fantastic start. That’s a really good result for them [against Rangers].
“But, as I’m sure you can respect, my focus is very much on Celtic. Our guys have made a brilliant start also, in terms of how they’ve been playing, the goals they’ve been scoring, secure defensively in the main and in a really good position in the Champions League.
“But it’s still so early. My first marker is after 10 games. And if I look at it after 10 games, then we’ve made a really good start. Aberdeen are there, as well, but there’s still such a long way to go.”
Rodgers is relishing the prospect of the showcase semi-final against Jimmy Thelin’s unbeaten team after the 2-2 draw between the side in Glasgow earlier this month and added: “They are always great occasions.
“I love going to Hampden and we’re in a really good place. We’ve got players coming back and, hopefully, it’ll be a really exciting game.”
JOY BHOY JOHNSTON LEADS THE WAY
