Celtic team to face Dundee

It’s not often that Brendan Rodgers names an unchanged side and he won’t be tempted by that notion for Wednesday’s match at Dundee.

With Sevco and Anderlecht coming in the next two matches the Celtic boss will be using his squad to the full with a number of big hitters rested against Ross County at the weekend.

Central defence remains the biggest concern with Dedryck Boyata slowly coming back into contention but it would be a big risk to expect the former Manchester City defender to step in to games against Sevco or Anderlecht.

In-between the permutations over the team there is a cup tie to be won with a semi-final place up for grabs.

Dundee won their first Premiership match at the weekend but the victory over St Johnstone carried a fair amount of luck.

Neil McCann will be looking to build on that but after beating Dundee United in the last round he admitted that anyone but Celtic at home would suit him in the last eight.

Last season Celtic twice won 1-0 away to Dundee, I expect it to be a bit more comfortable on Wednesday as the side prepares for two matches that will have a big bearing on how the first half of the season will shape up.

CRAIG GORDON

Pulled off a genuine world class save against Ross County and seemed well pleased with it!

It’s mainly about concentration in these fixtures especially when the central defenders change on a regular basis.

He is our number one, has been for a year now and will be required to be fully on his game against Dundee, Sevco and Anderlecht.

TONY RALSTON

Is responding to the opportunity given to him by Brendan Rodgers and improving game by game.

After surviving against Neymar he won’t be fazed by anything coming up in the next few days as he looks to cement his place in the side.

He doesn’t need rested, the more games the merrier as he accelerates through the ranks.

JOZO SIMUNOVIC

Is now the undisputed first choice central defender with his future secured by a new contract.

Whether he stays until 2012 is another matter but it looks like rumours of a sharp exit are well wide of the mark.

Regardless of the opposition his job remains the same, stop the opponents and lay the ball off to another Celtic player. Simple really.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

He might be getting the feeling that central defence is where he is most likely to play as Ralston settles in quickly at right back.

There won’t be any PSG type strike forces to be faced in the next couple of games with the Swede looking the most likely partner for Simunovic against Anderlecht next week.

He knows the ropes, what is expected and demanded and won’t let anyone down in ant defensive role.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Was given a break against Ross County but will be back in his usual role for the next three matches.

Like most players he was given a few lessons against PSG but will take the lessons on board and come back stronger.

He made his debut at Dens Park just over two years ago, he knows the prizes on offer and appreciates that three wins on the road will really set the season up.

SCOTT BROWN

At home to Ross County seemed the ideal fixture to give him a break but it seems that the hoops skipper doesn’t need a breather.

He knows the demands and expectations inside out and won’t allow any of his team-mates turn their thoughts towards Saturday at Ibrox.

If it gets tasty he’s the man to see things through and remains the biggest influence on the team.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

Has surprisingly missed out on the last two matches although did get a decent run in the second half against Ross County.

His versatility may be counting against him with Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic impressing at the weekend.

McGregor came of age last season in both wins at Ibrox and is bound to be in Rodgers’ thoughts for the weekend.

PATRICK ROBERTS

Is till needing matches to get up to full fitness after his delayed transfer from Manchester City.

Dens Park is usually a surface that favours wingers with the Manchester City kid well capable of impressing.

James Forrest posted a reminded of his ability at the weekend but Roberts was brought back for the big matches with two of them on the horizon.

TOM ROGIC

After his international break he was back to his best against Ross County even though his first goal didn’t require too much trickery to beat the keeper.

In domestic matches he is a constant goal threat and good for a goal a game.

International football is going to be a big distraction over the next couple of months but while he’s at Celtic he’ll have a big role to play.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Was rested on Saturday but still managed to get involved in a few chances after appearing as a late substitute.

Like Roberts he’ll find Dens Park to his liking with the space to punish defenders on a good surface.

He scored in both wins at Ibrox last season and will be getting in some shooting practise ahead of the derby fixture.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

Will be given the sole striker role in this one with a view to starting next week against Anderlecht.

As a big lad he took a bit of time to get through the gears on Saturday but showed that his eye is in when given a yard by the Ross County defence. 2-0 Celtic.

Celtic have been wary with his return from injury and will use him sparingly over the next couple of games to get him fully functioning by the time that the clocks change.