Tyler Blackett will make his first Celtic appearance in a month when the hoops take on St Johnstone in the Development League tonight at Airdrie (kick off 6pm).
The on-loan Manchester United defender hasn’t featured at any level since replacing Jozo Simunovic in the Europa League tie against Molde then finding himself substituted by Nadir Ciftci with 20 minutes left to play.
Since joining on loan towards the end of the summer transfer window Blackett has made just three starting appearances and is expected to return to Old Trafford in January.
The 21-year-old was expected to compete for a place in the centre of defence or at left-back but the emergence of Kieran Tierney has effectively ruled one of those positions out of bounds.
With Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata as the first choice central defensive pairing and Efe Ambrose as back up Blackett’s opportunities look limited.
Tonight’s clash with St Johnstone is Celtic’s first Development League match since the 2-0 win over Hearts on October 26.
Since then Tommy McIntyre’s side have overcome the Puskas Academy on a 3-1 aggregate to reach the last 24 of the UEFA Youth League either side of a 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies in the SFA Youth Cup third round.
Hamilton are sitting at the top of the Development League nine points clear of Celtic having played six games more. Tonight’s opponents St Johnstone are in second place two points ahead of the unbeaten hoops who have played five matches less.
CELTIC: Fasan; Breslin, Kelleher, McCart, Blackett; McManus, Thomson; Murray, Hendry, Boerrigter; Ciftci
SUBS: McCabe, Higgins, Miller, Payne, McIlduff, Archibald, Lafferty
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