The players that need to start against Kilmarnock

The next game is always the most important but with all respect to Kilmarnock Brendan Rodgers is bound to have an eye on Astana when he names his side for tomorrow’s League Cup tie.

With the season it’s infancy there is a balancing act to across the squad of getting players sharp and match fit without overdoing it.

Three matches in seven days, against Hearts, Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle, Rodgers has the chance to give everyone the game time that they need to be sharp and fresh for next week’s Champions League play-off.

With injuries hitting hard in selected areas keeping Leigh Griffiths and Jozo Simunovic fit for the Astana match is an absolute priority- beyond them it’s down to Plan C, D or E.

Midfield is the most obvious area for rotation, with close to ten players to choose from Rodgers could play a different midfield virtually every game without anyone being able to guess which selection was his first choice.

With an unbeaten domestic record stretching back 15 months no chances will be taken against Kilmarnock- it’s not often that you only need to win four matches to get hold of a trophy.

ANTHONY RALSTON

Rodgers really wants to push the teenager on at every opportunity.

This sort of fixture was made for Ralston, the chance to impress in a home match where he’ll get the chance to push forward and get a real feel for top team action.

Over the course of this season he could get a dozen outings- in the other full-back position he can see the perfect example of what is possible.

KRISTOFFER AJER

Is making a big impression on the fans with the authority that he shows in central defence.

Every minute of game time is invaluable as he looks to break into the first team squad from being a project or prospect.

He’ll know a fair bit about his opponents but after coming through the home match with Roseborg unscathed a League Cup second round tie should be fairly straightforward.

STUART ARMSTRONG

There is no getting away from the fact that his contract situation is the elephant in the room.

Last week’s display in Rosenborg wasn’t his best but there’s something fragile about the midfielder, when his relationship with the manager is fractured he’s not the player that he was last season.

Getting him performing again and signing a new deal would be a great double but it looks like time is running out. A big display followed by signing a new contract would be the perfect boost for all involved.

TOM ROGIC

Has been very unlucky to drop out of the side following his attempt at playing ‘a false nine’ at home to Rosenborg.

In the away leg he showed some nice touches as a substitute but won’t be picked ahead of in-form Callum McGregor.

A chance to sharpen his shooting boots against Killie would be perfect, he won’t fancy the tag of super-sub but his introduction against Astana could be a game changer.

JONNY HAYES

Needs to get as much time as possible but I’d give him a run on the left giving Stuart Sinclair a break.

On the right Hayes isn’t as confident putting a cross in, his movement is rapid, his passing and awareness is impressive but hitting the bye-line doesn’t carry the same threat.

Kilmarnock at home gives him the opportunity to get back to the form he was famous for at Aberdeen.