With Celtic agreeing to play Linfield, should they get past La Fiorita, on Friday July 14 Brendan Rodgers will soon be giving some thought to the sort of team to field in the fixture.
There are more than footballing matters to consider, after a week of celebrating their intolerance of Catholics the locals will be we well hyped up for the visit of a club founded by an Irish Catholic.
To say Windsor Park will be hostile is an understatement. Tynecastle may be lively, players can be confronted at Ibrox but a Linfield crowd boosted by over 10,000 day-trippers won’t be slow to let the Celtic side know how unwelcome they are in their part of Belfast.
A 5pm kick off may take a little of the sting out of the match but not much. A green and white hooped jersey is never welcome at Windsor Park as the Belfast and Donegal versions of Celtic know to their cost.
There will be a strong security presence to protect the Celtic players with the club likely to organise additional security to be with the players throughout their time in the city.
In those circumstances, however unlikely an attack may be, it’s hard to see Celtic taking a full strength squad over for this fixture.
With the return match a couple of days later the big names can enjoy some match practise in the home leg with this Celtic XI capable of doing a job in the first leg.
Dorus de Vries
Had a brief Celtic career at the start of last season but didn’t get a look in once Craig Gordon was restored to the side.
The Dutchman is likely to be on the move during the transfer window but he’s more than capable of keeping goal in this fixture.
He has vast experience but this will be a lot different to anything that he has faced before.
Anthony Ralston
Is desperate to get an opportunity and will relish the chance to test himself in a European tie.
Brendan Rodgers has high hopes for the teenager with this match the perfect opportunity for him to show that he can deputise for Mikael Lustig.
Ralston has got great energy to get up and down the right flank and a good awareness of his defensive duties.
Jozo Simunovic
In a match like this it’s important to have a bit of experience in defence which the Croat provides.
He thrived in last season’s derby fixtures and will have encountered some lively fixtures coming through the ranks in Croatia.
After being used sparingly in the first half of last season he looks to have overcome his injury problems and will enjoy challenge coming from the stands.
Kristoffer Ajer
Will jump at the chance of making his competitive debut.
Last season’s loan spell at Kilmarnock seemed to work a treat as he experienced the demands of a team clinging on for their Premiership existence.
Despite an unfortunate experience on his u-21 debut for Norway he’s eligible for this match and will grab the chance to shine.
Emilio Izaguirre
He’s stepped in for Kieran Tierney in the past and has the experience to help his team-mates through this match.
At the start of his eighth season at the club he knows that his role is as a deputy but last season he enjoyed a two month stint of duty that involved playing in the Champions League, a visit to Ibrox and a cup final appearance.
His attacking style will suit this match with Celtic likely to dominate possession and be up against a packed defence.
Scott Brown
The skipper will fancy this one and isn’t likely to take kindly to the offer of being left out.
As a player and in his leadership capacity it’ll be reassuring for the other players to see that familiar figure barking out orders and flying into tackles.
Broony is bound to be the target of the local boo boys but he’ll take that in his stride and be on the look out to get off the mark with his first goal of the season.
Callum McGregor
Finished the season like a runaway train and will be keen to get into the trenches alongside his skipper.
McGregor can cover any midfield role but has the ability to create time which will be priceless in this atmosphere.
He’s had an extended break and will be fully refreshed and charged up to keep his place and develop further.
James Forrest
Was left out of the side for the run in to the season and will be determined to show that there is life beyond Patrick Roberts.
Forrest started last season on the outside looking in but took his chance and earned a contract after Roberts was injured in the home match against Astana.
Against part-time defenders he’ll be able to use his pace to full advantage and won’t be afraid to cut in and have a pop at goal.
Liam Henderson
Needs to take every chance that he can get.
At times last season he looked close to a breakthrough but at most of the major matches he struggled to make the bench.
Brendan Rodgers appreciates his ability but it remains to be seen whether that talent can be developed into regular first team appearances.
PICTURE 10
Quite a venue for a Dubliner to make his Celtic debut!
He said that he’d be happy to play for Celtic in the car park and will be looking to make an impact to justify his transfer.
Linfield won’t be any tougher than the opponents he faced for Aberdeen last season but his big task is adapting into the style of play that Brendan Rodgers uses.
Jack Aitchison
Although he is only 17 there is a degree of expectation on him since scoring with his first touch on his debut.
Last season brought some contrasting experiences but the new look 4-2-3-1 system seemed to be to his liking with plenty of support pushing through.
It’ll be interesting to see if another striker is bought, Aitchison will want to be ready to step in anytime Leigh Griffiths or Moussa Dembele are injured.
The bench
Without calling on the big names there are plenty of options for Brendan Rodgers to fill his bench with.
Logan Bailly, Erik Sviatchenko and Nir Bitton offer experience, Eboue Kouassi and Jamie McCart are eager to get a chance to impress while Nadir Ciftci and Gary Mackay-Steven will be looking to impress other clubs that may be showing interest.