With Celtic failing to bring in a central defender yesterday Lewis Toshney is just one injury away from being thrown into Neil Lennon’s treble bid.
Charlie Mulgrew and Mark Wilson- second choice full-backs a month ago- will form the central defensive partnership at Aberdeen tonight.
With Jos Hooiveld joining Darren O’Dea and Josh Thompson out on loan Toshney has been drafted into the top team squad from Stevie Frail’s u-19 side.
The 18-year-old from Lochee missed virtually the whole of last season through injury but has formed an impressive partnership with Matty Hughes this term.
Garry Parker watched Sunday’s SFA Youth Cup win over Airdrie and took Toshney off after 70 minutes with Celtic 5-0 up.
That match was Celtic’s first youth game since November 20 but after a fortnight’s training in Turkey including two matches there were no signs of rustiness.
In contrast to the first team the u-19 side have been able to play the same defence in every match this season with Stephen O’Donnell and Kieran Brennan at full-back in front of Robbie Thomson.
Toshney forms a double centre half partnership with Matty Hughes with both players being mainly of the no-nonsense variety.
Although they are both capable of pinging an accurate pass forward first and foremost they like to defend the old fashioned way.
At 6 foot 3 Toshney is commanding in the air and a firm tackler. Rather than seek out a Hollywood pass when in possession he prefers to lay off a simple ball to a full-back or midfielder.
Being right sided he’d be a natural partner for Charlie Mulgrew if the central defensive jinx was to strike Mark Wilson. As a bonus Toshney also played at right-back in some pre-season matches.
James Keatings, who is the top scorer for the u-19 side, is also in the squad to face Aberdeen tonight.
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Anthony Stokes to score at anytime 20/ 21
Kris Commons to score at anytime 6/ 5
Joe Ledley to score at anytime 7/2
Other than in defence Lennon has a virtually full strength squad to select from tonight as he attempts to send his side eight points clear of Rangers.
Without using the favoured ‘benchmark’ quote used by Martin O’Neill during his first season in charge Lennon is happy to paint his side into the role of underdogs in the race for the title.
“The advantage Rangers have over us is that they have been over the course and distance before,” the Celtic boss claimed.
“This is relatively new to our players – but they have coped very well with it so far. Even when we had adverse results with the three draws in December, they have bounced back well from that.
“They know they can’t afford to drop those points again before the end of the season because I don’t think Rangers will.
“Winning at Aberdeen is vital for us because it puts the onus on Rangers on Wednesday night.”
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FROM ‘THINKER’ KERRYDALE STREET
I’m sure he’ll step up to the plate if required. I’d rather see some of the successful youth team players act as cover than bringing in overpriced stopgap journeymen.
Good luck Lewis. Hopefully this is the beginning of a long and trophy laden first team career.