Celtic continue their defence of the SFA Youth Cup against Dunfermline today at Lennoxtown, kick-off 12.30.
The game goes ahead despite the poor weather that forced the postponment of last night’s Glasgow Cup tie against Partick Thistle.
The match kicks off a three games in a week period that will be crucial to Celtic’s hopes of retaining the league and cup double with a trip to Murray Park to face Rangers scheduled for Saturday followed by a visit to St Mirren on Tuesday.
John Kennedy’s side looked back towards their best form last Wednesday when they beat Marseilles 3-0 in the Next Gen Series with goals from Filip Twardzik, Lewis Toshney and Paul George.
Dunfermline have already played Celtic this season, losing 2-0 at Lennoxtown in the August sunshine, and have aquitted themselves well since returning to the top flight with four wins from 12 SPL matches.
In the third round of the SFA Youth Cup they beat St Johnstone 2-1 at home but have only managed one game over the last month, a 2-0 defeat away to St Mirren on December 2.
Central defence will be the main problem area for Kennedy to think about with Curtis Jones, Stuart Findlay and Jackson Irvine all out injured. Irish u-17 cap Joey O’Brien is one option although Joe Chalmers could step in to partner Marcus Fraser with Mo Yaqub coming in at left back.
The winners of today’s match have been drawn away to Aberdeen in the next round of the cup with just three other SPL clubs remaining in the draw.
Whoever comes through out of Aberdeen, Celtic and Dunfermline will be installed as favourites for the trophy which Celtic have won in each of the last two seasons.
You can follow the action from Lennoxtown today on twitter– weather permitting.
CLICK HERE for Neil Lennon sidesteps angry McCoist’s rant
CLICK HERE for Barcelona lessons
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook
