Paul George makes his first start of the season for Celtic in the Premier League International Cup tie with Everton at Goodison Park.
The young Irishman was injured in pre-season training and has been restricted to a couple of substitute appearances in the Development League but is in from the start to face Everton.
Celtic are one of eight international clubs invited to take part in the competition and will also face Sunderland and Villarreal in the 16 team competition.
George’s career hasn’t fully recovered from the brutal leg-break that he suffered from Lewis McLeod in May 2012 when Celtic’s u-19 side won 3-0 against Rangers (IL) at Murray Park.
In January he went out on loan to Hamilton Accies but was unable to force his way into the side that earned promotion through a play-off win over Hibs.
George is joined in a powerful Celtic side by Darnell Fisher, Eoghan O’Connell, Liam Henderson and Filip Twardzik with coach Stevie Frail looking forward to the new look competition.
We are one of eight clubs invited into this competition by the Premier League and that’s a big compliment, and responsibility, for us,” the Celtic coach explained. “This competition is aimed towards the senior end of the academy and we’re looking forward to facing Everton.
“It’ll be under the lights at Goodison and that’s the sort of occasion that everyone wants to be involved in. We’ve played Everton a number of times in recent seasons and know that they have a great record for developing players.
“Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Ross Barkley are all in the current first team and before that they brought through Wayne Rooney the current England captain.
“We’ve developed James Forest and Callum McGregor and hopefully there are a few more that can force their way into the first team picture.
CELTIC Fasan; Fisher, O’Connell, Findlay, Waters; Henderson, Lindsay; Thomson, George, Twardzik; McMullan
SUBS: Hart, Tierney, Kelleher, McCart, Breslin, Donnelly, Nesbitt.