Brendan Rodgers is certain to make full-scale changes to the Celtic side that faces Livingston on Saturday.
Halfway through the Champions League qualification the hoops boss is looking ahead to the ten days that follows the SPFL opener rather than at the toll of the four qualifiers already played.
After playing Livingston Celtic face AEK Athens twice and Hearts over seven days before a more gentle Betfred Cup tie with Partick Thistle at Firhill.
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Fortunately with Mikael Lustig and Tom Rogic available again after their World Cup exertions Rodgers has tried and tested players needing match time.
Throw in Leigh Griffiths and Jozo Simunovic and it’ll still be a recognisably strong side that faces up to Kenny Miller’s lot on Saturday.
Winning the league will always be the priority for Rodgers but there are 38 stages to that, mistakes can be rectified unlike in the Champions League qualifiers.
This season UEFA are offering higher rewards than ever, typically access is more restricted than ever.
The Celtic bench will be packed with big hitters on Saturday just in case but the players called in have plenty to prove which should give the Celtic boss a few more options for the main event when AEK come visiting.
CRAIG GORDON
Keepers need games, there shouldn’t be too much for Gordon to do against Kenny Miller & Co but no harm in giving him another 90 minutes.
There was one wobble away to Rosenborg but he regained his composure to pull off a great save before half time and commanded the defence well after the break.
Scott Bain’s arrival has added real competition but after missing out on three seasons of action Gordon is still catching up for lost time and completely dedicated to his profession.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Got an unexpected outing as a late substitute against Rosenborg and needs to get on from the start against Livi.
Cristian Gamboa has proved to be a very competent deputy but when it comes to the big matches Rodgers doesn’t let emotion play a part. He’ll want Lustig playing.
After a fortnight of training Lustig is ready for 90 minutes and knows that if he isn’t upto scratch there’s someone waiting to take his place.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Has only had one competitive game this season with his early red card against Alashkert allowing Jack Hendry to take his place.
Hendry looks very much like the man in possession with the see-saw career of Simunovic set to continue.
The 23-year-old does offer good back up but after three year at the club he has still to nail down a regular place in a position widely acknowledged as a problem. The sight of Kenny Miller should bring back fond memories
JACK HENDRY
Came onto a strong game in the second half against Rosenborg earning a name check from his boss.
He’s not played many games in his preferred position but there are signs of a partnership being formed alongside Kris Ajer.
He has his work cut out to convince some cynics that a player from Dundee can be ready for the Champions League in eight months but the most important judge sits on the Celtic bench and coaches him in training.
JONNY HAYES
Hasn’t played in any competitive action in 2018 but made it onto the bench away to Rosenborg.
Rodgers is keen to get him back in the side but he may have to drop back to left-back to get a taste of top team action.
If the signing of Daniel Arzani goes through his first team chances will be further restricted but for the time being he’s very much part of the plan.
EBOUE KOUASSI
Has continued to be the unluckiest player at the club with Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham both in outstanding form.
The Ivorian was highly impressive in January against Hearts and Zenit St Petersburg but he fell out of contention following the return match in Russia.
Before the transfer window closes he’s likely to go out on loan but there’s no doubt that Rodgers has faith in the January 2017 signing.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper is a hard man to drop, with international football a thing of the past he’ll be happy to be playing every three or four days.
There is something missing in any Celtic side that doesn’t include Brown, he sets the tone and ensures standards like no one else can.
He’ll be there to oversea the flag being unfurled- then will set about ensuring that the same ceremony will be taking place again next summer.
MIKEY JOHNSTON
Has shown up well in pre-season matches but has had little opportunity to shine in competitive games.
Johnston has the ability to turn and torment defenders and is increasingly becoming a goal threat.
This sort of occasion should suit him, he knows that there is strong competition for the wide places but has confidence in his ability whether it’s at Celtic Park or elsewhere in the season ahead.
TOM ROGIC
Made substitute appearances in both matches against Rosenborg but is close to claiming a starting slot.
He has a good track record of finding the net in big matches with the games against AEK Athens certainly falling into that category.
If Rodgers opts to go with two strikers it could mean that Rogic has to play in a slightly different role but his manager appreciates his knack for for finding the net.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Has a lot to do to win over his critics with 2018 being a far from vintage period in his career.
The threat that he carried in his debut season has been dumbed down, there is more of a sign than sizzle when the ball is fed out to the left flank.
A home match against a newly promoted side managed by Kenny Miller should be the perfect platform for Sinclair, if not he may be back on the bench for the matches against AEK Athens.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
He’s been waiting a while for his 99th and 100th Celtic goals- what better way to hit that milestone than with a double against his first senior club.
The new season has brought mixed news for the striker- more competition with the permanent deal for Odsonne Edouard but also the prospect of a twin strike force.
Fitness as much as competition hampered his appearances last season, if he has shaken off the muscle injuries that have dogged him recently he is capable of smashing his way to another 20 plus season.