Celtic team for Ibrox

The noise from Pedro Caixinha will have raised little more than a wry smile from Brendan Rodgers, having operated in the EPL the third rate mind games of the fifth best coach in Qatar won’t have any impact on his preparations.

Anderlecht is on the horizon but three points from Ibrox is the best possible preparation for a Champions League tie and that’s all that the Irishman will be thinking of this week.

The return from injury of Dedryck Boyata and Moussa Dembele is very welcome but the striker is still a little short of match fitness and will have to start the match on the bench.

Almost certainly joining him will be Patrick Roberts although the former Fulham duo are certain to be involved in the game at some stage.

Roberts hasn’t quite caught fire yet, he is heading in the right direction, but the form of James Forrest makes him impossible to drop.

The Ayrshire bhoy is rapidly becoming a veteran and has the complete trust of his manager, after Scott Brown no one has more experience of derby combat.

Roberts could have been considered for the support striker role but failed to make a serious impact at Dundee with Tom Rogic and his goal threat likely to be handed that role.

The trip to Ibrox will require a 14 man squad, three subs will play their part with only some highly unlikely circumstances capable of denying the hoops a third successive win at the home of the tribute act.

CRAIG GORDON

Has shown no nerves in derby matches and won’t be fazed by the frenzy whipped up at Ibrox before the game kicks off.

His form has been patchy so far this season but that double save against Ross County should do wonders for his confidence.

With Dedryck Boyata back in the side he can develop a stronger relationship with his central defenders.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

Has been moving around recently but can expect to return to his full-back role at Ibrox- with the shadow of Tony Ralston hanging over.

With a prospect highly rated by his manager Lustig will need to show more than just experience to keep hold of the right-back berth.

Ibrox and Anderlecht aren’t the places for experiments, Lustig will start both matches but the challenge for a place from the teenager is very real.

JOZO SIMUNOVIC

Can concentrate on developing his own game with Boyata likely to be his partner at least in the medium term.

On his last visit to Ibrox he created his own place in Celtic folklore with Kenny Miller still struggling to find his bearings after a fall to earth.

With a new contract behind him the rumours of his departure can be put on hold with the 22-year-old committing himself to the club and manager.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

A year ago he was nowhere near the team, in 2017 supporters have been pining for his return with Brendan Rodgers his biggest backer.

His comeback from injury hasn’t been rushed with patience the watchword.

Sevco and Anderlecht will require 100% concentration with expectation growing game by game during his absence, at Dens Park he showed that he is fully fit and on the way to match fitness.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Will relish the chance to add another line or two to his place in the hearts of the Celtic support.

The runaround from PSG will have dented his confidence but playing a part in a win at Ibrox will be the perfect tonic for a player who certainly knows what it means to the fans- he say among them for the win at Ibrox in December.

This fixture requires the heart and the head, KT has both and will relish the challenge knowing the rewards for success.

SCOTT BROWN

The most important player on the pitch. He knows the demands and is capable of altering the tactics exactly as his manager requires.

Keeping his younger team-mates in check is only half of his job with a driving performance from midfield essential to an away win.

He’ll have heard all about Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans- and will be determined to give them the Joey Barton treatment.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Has been a little bit hot and cold recently but he cost £4.5m for a reason and will be straight into the side for the biggest fixtures.

He has still to get into his stride in terms of attacking but has plenty of options around him for that side of the game.

Moussa Dembele will have marked his card, a successful first appearance in a derby can set up his season.

JAMES FORREST

Has booked his place in the side by scoring doubles against Ross County and Dundee.

The return of Patrick Roberts was supposed to have brought his season to a halt but the reverse has been the case.

Forrest knows his job, he has the pace to hurt any defence, especially the jobsworth full-backs of Sevco, and can track back to provide an extra buffer for his full-back. A player that his manager can fully trust.

TOM ROGIC

With an emphasis on attacking Rogic is the man.

He missed the second half of last season through injury and will be keen to make his mark at Ibrox.

With Caixinha likely to pack out his defence some long range shooting could be required with Rogic just the man to deliver something memorable- most of his goals are!

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Has been a bit slack around goal so far this season and could easily be into double figures by now.

Playing against James Tavernier must be an absolute dream for the former Aston Villa man, if Sevco go for reinforcements it will just open up more space for others in the Celtic side.

He scored on both visits to Ibrox last season and will be keen to maintain his 100% record to silence a certain element in the home support.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS

He’ll be able to feel the pressure from Moussa Dembele but knows the way to goal in this fixture.

After Dembele got injured at Hampden in April Griffiths seamlessly stepped into the team and led the line with style in the 5-1 rout.

Rodgers knows the exact job that the Scotland striker can do for his side and will be expecting an exceptional 60 or 70 minutes from Griffiths- without any distractions.