Changes needed to face Dundee

The exertions of playing in St Petersburg and Aberdeen within three days are bound to be reflected in the side that Brendan Rodgers sends out against Dundee on Wednesday night.

After making seven changes for the match against St Johnstone the Celtic boss was heavily criticised and although that move backfired in Russia it did provide full points from Pittodrie.

It’s unlikely that Rodgers will make that many changes but with a few players emerging out of the treatment room the Celtic boss will be looking to get his squad at peak fitness for the run-in to the season.

Facing Dundee and Morton at home isn’t as demanding as being away to Zenit and Aberdeen but at this stage of the season there is little margin for error.

Going to Ibrox with a nine point advantage and a Scottish Cup semi-final to look forward to will banish the European hangover and allow everyone to focus on another domestic treble.

JACK HENDRY

Whether it is the injury to Kris Ajer or the form of Jozo Simunovic the visit of his former club should be a great opportunity to play Hendry.

It has been stop start for the new boy who won’t have any option to miss out the visit of Morton due to being cup tied.

After a 15 minute cameo at Aberdeen he knows what it is like to be on a winning Celtic side and will look forward to facing up to players who were his team mates a month ago.

ANTHONY RALSTON

Mikael Lustig’s suspension looks like great timing for Ralston who has been with the squad but not listed as a substitute in the last two matches.

His injury robbed him of precious game time, which would also have benefited Lustig who has been way short of his best over the last few months.

Dundee at home shouldn’t present too many attacking options giving the teenager the chance to impress a stake a claim for the run in to the season.

CHARLY MUSONDA

Got a brief run in Russia but had to watch the whole match from the bench at Aberdeen as he got to study Scottish football in the raw.

He started the recent match at home to St Johnstone and needs to get as much game time as possible to get upto speed.

He would have been sensational in last season’s side but with the side struggling it’ll be harder for the Chelsea kid to come in and show the ability that created so much interest during the January transfer window.

EBOUE KOUASSI

In common with most of his team-mates he had a poor night away to Zenit and was hooked off at half-time.

Rodgers was ready to let him go out on loan until the injury crisis heightened with a home game against Dundee another opportunity to get him used to the Scottish game.

With potentially eight Champions League qualifiers coming up in the summer the full squad will need to be upto speed to juggle domestic and European commitments.