Celtic’s new look development squad lost out 2-1 to Partick Thistle at Firhill on Saturday.
As any defeat in a pre-season match is disregarded in favour of ‘it being all about fitness at this stage of the season’ the result can quickly be forgotten about!
The best aspect of the match was the return to fitness of Emilio Izaguirre who looked a cut above his team-mates. The Honduran put in a few trademark bursting runs to test his hamstring to the full and never looked flustered when in possession.
Izaguirre is expected to play a part in Wednesday’s friendly with Cardiff City which should put him in line for Sunday’s SPL opener against Hibs.
The line up at Easter Road will certainly be interesting with a number of questions likely to be answered. Neil Lennon is likely to reveal his preferred central defensive pairing which is looking like Daniel Majstorovic and Kelvin Wilson whilst it’ll be interesting to see if Georgios Samaras or Anthony Stokes is chosen to partner Gary Hooper in attack.
In midfield Scott Brown’s suspension opens the door for a few players with Paddy McCourt and Ki Sung Yeung competiting to join Kris Commons, Joe Ledley and Biram Kayal in Celtic’s strongest area.
CELTIC team v Partick Thistle: (4-3-1-2) Feely; Toshney, Hooiveld (Fraser 11), Thompson, Izaguirre (Chalmers 58); Herron, McGregor, P Twardzik; F Twardzik (Atajic 78); Spence (Watt 63), Rasmussen
Subs not used: Thomson, George
What about Wanyama, fling the new boy in there