As the defining month of the season gets underway it seems that Brendan Rodgers has uncovered a new look first XI at Celtic.
There hasn’t been too much signing activity but there has been a number of subtle changes to the side that featured in last season’s Champions League group matches and won the treble.
Football teams are always evolving with the Celtic side that starts in Astana in a fortnight vastly different to the team that played there a year ago.
Jozo Simunovic and Scott Sinclair will be two of the key additions as Rodgers attempts to steer his way into the group phase of the Champions League for the second year running.
Having planned his squad changes over the close season the Celtic boss won’t be altering his plans despite a glut of injuries in central defence.
Since the end of last season Kolo Toure, Eoghan O’Connell, Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko have been ruled out for one reason or another but Rodgers is happy to adapt with Kristoffer Ajer and Nir Bitton drafted in.
Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle have to be faced over the coming week but all eyes are on Astrana with a new look Celtic side taking shape.
CRAIG GORDON
Despite an impressive display from Dorus de Vries at Sunderland the former Hearts keeper is undisputed first choice keeper.
Four clean sheets in the Champions League qualifiers have set the standard, another couple and he’ll have at least six more Champions League matches to enjoy.
There were some shaky times at the start of last season but he regained his composure and earned a new contract.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
He barely had a close season break and has picked up where he finished last season- in top form.
A few years ago he seemed an injury liability but was back on his A game last season.
His experience is invaluable at the back but there’s a real spark to his attacking play where he links up well with whoever is on the right wing.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Has become the first choice centre half and is now absolutely crucial to the central defence.
Last year he was looking at a move to Torino but has emerged as the defender that was anticipated when he arrived from Croatia two years ago.
Whether he is alongside Kristoffer Ajer or Nir Bitton he needs to command the centre of defence and build on the progress since the turn of the year.
NIR BITTON
Could become this season’s key transition.
As a midfielder he seemed too laid back for Rodgers style of play but could have found his place in the centre of defence provided there is another aggressive defender alongside.
Astana should provide a tougher test than Rosenborg, more than his passing ability will be tested in these two ties.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Absolutely no fears about him against Astana or beyond.
He barely had a break due to Scotland commitments but seems to be as fit and fresh as ever.
With experience and confidence growing he is becoming more and more important to the team and is the likely successor to Scott Brown as captain.
SCOTT BROWN
Seemed a little short of his best away to Rosenborg but is certainly allowed an off day or two.
No Scottish player has been involved in more European matches with Brendan Rodgers quick to identify his leader on the pitch.
His goal against Hapoel last season was priceless, another strike against Astana will go down nicely and make a big step towards the target of the group phrase.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
Has been a growing influence in his short period at the club.
Rodgers was pleased that he wanted to join Celtic with or without Champions League football- he has a big role to play ensuring that the group phase is reached.
At the moment it looks like he will play alongside Scott Brown in a defensive midfield role but can switch easily one place forward to support the striker.
JAMES FORREST
Has no lack of experience of these games and showed a cool head to strike the goal that ended the hopes of Rosenborg.
With the opportunity to counter attack likely in the away tie he could again be the match winner.
Should anything happen to Leigh Griffiths he could be pressed into the striker role but is at his best coming in off the flanks- ask Rosenborg.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Has just enjoyed another incredible week- a hat trick at Sunderland followed by a key role against Rosenborg then more of the same against Hearts.
He emerged into the side exactly three years ago with some vital European goals and came onto a game fantastically in the final months of last season.
Without question he is currently ahead of Tom Rogic and Stuart Armstrong for a place which is the greatest compliment available.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Without doubt a match winner but also developing a bad habit of missing ‘sitters’.
Against Hearts he showed that he can score the unspectacular goals and enjoys a perfect relationship with Kieran Tierney.
Playing in the Champions League is the main incentive for being at Celtic, he knows his manager and Rodgers inevitably gets the best out of the former Manchester City man.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Like Simunovic he is absolutely essential to Celtic’s hopes of reaching the group phase of the Champions League.
His introduction turned the game against Rosenborg with his goal in Astana absolutely priceless last season.
He has to make the most of Moussa Dembele’s absence, he knows that and will be determined to make up for missing out on most of last season’s Champions League group matches.