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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.