Brendan Rodgers will be very much in the spotlight on Tuesday when Celtic take on Bayern Munich.
The 3-0 defeat away to Bayern a fortnight ago brought some mild criticism from the hoops support who had had their hopes raised by the 3-0 win away to Anderlecht.
The scoreline in Munich wasn’t unexpected but there were few Celtic players that did themselves justice with the basics proving too much for some.
To quote a previous manager Rodgers took the criticism on the chin and dusted his side down to reach the final of the Betfred Cup then hand out a master-class in the game against Aberdeen.
Rodgers has unflinching belief in his side and his methods, the Irishman won’t be altering his approach despite the criticism from Munich.
Patrick Roberts’ hamstring injury is a clear blow but with a squad carefully built up James Forrest is a more than decent alternative.
After the criticism in Munich some of the players bristled, there was even concerns expressed after the record equalling draw with Killie but once they music plays and the crowd cheers this Celtic side is capable of troubling Bayern and who knows how it could end up?
CRAIG GORDON
Has been a bit inconsistent recently but was impressive away to Bayern despite losing three goals.
If he can cut out the growing tenancy to make risky passes out of defence that will close down one threat from Bayern although when in possession all four defenders should be available for a pass.
The constant shuffling of central defenders doesn’t help but it’s been that way all season and as the most experienced player in that area he can lead by example.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
It’ll be a night for defensive duties where communication and understanding with his defensive colleagues is essential.
Lustig has a lot of strings to his game but concentration is essential, especially up against Kingsley Coman who tormented in the Allianz Arena.
If he can get forward it will be a bonus but he’s more likely to be backed up by James Forrest helping him out.
NIR BITTON
By far the biggest test of his new found position. As a ball playing defender he has plenty of potential but it’ll be his defensive skills that are tested by the Bayern front line.
Those phone calls with Virgil van Dijk could turn out to be useful but even the Dutchman hasn’t been toe to toe with the firepower that Bayern can call upon.
Strong guidance will be needed from his defensive partners but if he can get through this one unscathed there might just be a genuine central defensive option to consider.
DEDRYCK BOYATA
Has established himself as the first choice central defender over the last month and looked more composed than many of his team-mates in the defeat from Bayern.
The Celtic support have yet to fully take to the Belgian but he has made himself available and most importantly has the trust of Brendan Rodgers.
His central defensive partners may shuffle around but restored to full fitness it’s in the former Manchester City defender’s hands to impose himself on the Celtic side.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Stood up well to Arjen Robben a fortnight ago but will have just as tough a test this time around- and will be expected to make some attacking moves.
Tierney showed exactly what he can do attacking wise at Aberdeen, anything similar at home to Bayern will be very well received.
His defensive ability can’t be questioned, it is a developing aspect of his game and is an area of the team that Brendan Rodgers can certainly rely on.
SCOTT BROWN
Despite the development of the squad over the last year there is no obvious deputy for the skipper with Saturday’s draw with Kilmarnock another example.
Brown was the outstanding outfield player away to Bayern and will be expecting more back up on home soil.
Last season his stats proved his Champions League credentials. Another big win would look great on his European record as Celtic prepare for a serious assault on the Europa League after Christmas.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
Took a panning for his performance away to Bayern but that seemed down to the fact that he is the new bhoy and still to earn his Celtic spurs.
Like Boyata he has the trust of Brendan Rodgers which was backed up by a £4.5m summer transfer fee.
That sort of fee isn’t spent on squad fillers, Rodgers will be looking for the Frenchman to demonstrate his quality against Bayern on Tuesday night.
JAMES FORREST
Has been unlucky to miss out on Champions League action but due to Patrick Roberts’ injury he now gets his chance.
Forrest has vast European experience that can be put to good use, his skill set is different to Patrick Roberts with his pace a likely asset against the Germans.
He looked close to top form last week at Aberdeen and can look forward to at least a month of action and putting his stamp back on the side.
TOM ROGIC
Is the most attack minded of the number 10 options and that is likely to get him the nod.
His Champions League exposure this season has been minimal but this could be just the occasion for him to make his mark.
Alongside Forrest and Dembele he made a big impact on Aberdeen, Bayern will be a much tougher prospect but Rogic has a decent record of coming up with the goods on the big occasions.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Didn’t do himself justice in Munich but with the backing of a home crowd and Kieran Tierney he’ll be looking to have a much bigger impact.
The goal away to Anderlecht was a great landmark in his career, getting another from this campaign would be very welcome.
Last season much of his best work was in tandem with Moussa Dembele, the return of the Frenchman to the side could put an extra edge on Sinclair’s game.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
A return to the stage that attracted the striker to Celtic last summer.
It’s been a long slow start to the season but doubles against Hibs and Aberdeen show that the striker is back towards top form.
A goal or two in the Champions League is bound to reignite transfer speculation but that’s a problem that Celtic will happily deal with.