Copyright glasgowworld
Celtic return to Europa League action this week as they face Danish side Midtjylland on Thursday night. The Hoops go into the game managed by Martin O’Neill, with the likes of player pathway manager Shaun Maloney assisting him upon his interim return to the dugout. They have won his two games in charge since Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, a Premiership success over Falkirk and Premier Sports Cup semi-final triumph over Rangers. Last time in Europe, Celtic beat Sturm Graz to move onto four points in the league phase. With 120 minutes played against Rangers on Sunday after their last four tie went to extra time, we are expecting three changes to the Celtic team. We reckon the experienced Kieran Tierney comes back into left-back at the expense of Marcelo Saracchi, despite his impressive performances of late. Arne Engels played the full 120 minutes plus stoppage time and to keep things fresh, we think Reo Hatate comes back into the team. Then up front, summer signing Callum Osmand is now part of the senior team, replacing injured Cameron Carter Vickers in the Europa League squad for the rest of the league phase. He netted against Rangers and amid a busy run of games, Johnny Kenny is dropped to the bench, with the import from Fulham drafted in. Maloney told Celtic TV ahead of the clash “It’s been busy! The first part of that week was really difficult. I’ve spoken to the group and all the staff, but it’s difficult on a personal level when we lose really good staff. “And then really quickly you have to prepare for a game on the Wednesday. Within that, obviously getting clarity on what Martin wants the team to look like, trying build the staff, it was really busy at the start and it didn’t stop until probably yesterday (Monday). We could possibly take a bit of time to reflect on the week, but in general, it was probably the game against Rangers, and now it starts again. “The senior players have been pivotal, they really have. The senior players off the pitch have been amazing for the manager, myself and the staff. “Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest, Alistair Johnston, and Cameron Carter-Vickers made a really big effort to come to the game on Sunday, he’s only a few days post-surgery. And Kasper on the pitch has just made a massive impact. “The senior ones have really driven inside the dressing room. It must have been difficult for them that week, and they’ve just thrown themselves into the two games. n terms of the two injured lads, Cameron and Alistair, they really came to me and wanted to come. Then if you actually talk about on-pitch, James Forrest in the two games has just produced brilliant one-v-one moments, Kieran coming back into the Rangers game with an assist and, again some brilliant moments.” Predicted Celtic XI vs Midtjylland: Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Hatate, Nygren; Maeda, Osmand, Tounekti.
