After a horrendous ten days Celtic need to try to pick things up against Partick Thistle at Firhill on Saturday.
Missing out on the Champions League will be felt for some time to come, the fact that it was mainly self inflicted making the loss to AEK Athens even harder to take.
It’ll take more than a couple of goals at Firhill to blank out the memories of the last three matches but it has to start at some time with football having no time for anyone wanting to feel sorry for themselves.
There are still no sign of any new players coming in with Brendan Rodgers having to judge the emotional state of players as much as their physical wellbeing.
Fortunately Thistle are unlikely to put up much of a threat, after a car crash end to last season that saw them drop out via the play-off they have lost twice in recent weeks to yr United with last week’s home win over Falkirk buying Alan Archibald some time.
Saturday is all about Celtic, the team needs to kick on leaving other issues to be resolved behind the scenes.
A three goal win is required, from there we can look towards the Europa League and four highly important matches before the international break and some respite.
CRAIG GORDON
With the defence constantly changing it’s important to have some continuity in goals.
He didn’t stand a chance with either goal in Athens but that won’t lessen the pain and hurt of missing out on a potential Champions League place.
Gordon has a great record in this competition, he’s only four matches away from his fourth winners medal as a Celtic player.
CRISTIAN GAMBOA
Made it onto the bench away to AEK Athens and has to become an option after Mikael Lustig’s difficult night in Greece.
His 100% commitment to international football ensures that his club football will suffer, last season he certainly discovered that.
A transfer still looks likely before the end of this month but while he remains on the pay roll Brendan Rodgers is likely to call him in.
KRIS AJER
Was badly missed in the last two matches and is now clearly the first pick central defender.
His game has been transformed over the last 12 months but this season is vital as he attempts to kick on and really establish himself in the much criticised central defence.
No one has any idea what is going on in the background, in this young Norwegian we have a player with obvious leadership qualities who is learning rapidly.
JACK HENDRY
Has come in for a ridiculous amount of stick in recent weeks, he is youngish in playing terms and has attributes rated by his manager.
Playing at right-back or on the left of a central defensive partnership isn’t ideal but he has made himself available and hasn’t gone hiding in matches.
If a new central defender is signed the former Thistle man is the obvious fall-guy, while wearing a shirt he deserves every support going.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
It’s hardly a debut but the ‘new’ bhoy will be given a great reception back at Firhill, giving KT a much needed rest.
The bhoy from Wishaw will have felt the pain of getting knocked out of the Champions League as painfully as any fan.
Izzy knows the drill and can race up and down the left flank allowing KT a breather now and then ahead of the bigger matches in the calendar.
SCOTT BROWN
Despite rumours of an injury he didn’t look to be less than 100% away to AEK.
Eboue Kouassi looked well short last week at Tynecastle but without at least playing once a month that is bound to happen.
There is an international break coming up in a fortnight which will be the time for the skipper to briefly recharge the batteries.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Can take a step back into central midfield, replacing Olivier Ntcham for the day.
He appreciates the importance of domestic matches, rarely turns in anything less than a 7 out of 10 and carried a goal threat from any position.
His versatility has been priceless so far this season, he gets on with his job and has that rare combination of always finding time on the ball and having the intelligence to use it tellingly.
MIKEY JOHNSTON
He has hinted on a couple of occasions what he is capable of, this should be the sort of fixture that he can come into and give James Forrest a break.
Johnston has all the ability in the world, in his fleeting appearances so far this term he has looked more physical with the pace that hurts opponents.
He is more than capable of making an impact in this sort of fixture- the big question is whether he’ll be sent out on loan before the window closes or whether he is needed closer to home.
TOM ROGIC
Has been a little short of his best since returning from the World Cup but there has been glimpses of his top form.
Getting the goalscoring Aussie upto top form is important with the fixtures coming up over the next fortnight, especially with question marks against the fitness of all three strikers.
When Celtic are at their best Rogic is at the heart of the play, there are no real alternatives for the specialist position, happily he is now signed up for a good few seasons to come.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Without returning to the form of his first season there has been some hopeful signs in his displays in the games against Hearts and AEK.
Restoring a threat down the left to work in tandem with KT would add some balance to the side with the Sinclair of 2016/17 a massive part in that season’s success.
With no international commitments there’s no reason why he can’t be playing every game at this stage of the season, the return of his goal touch would be very welcome.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Was left too isolated in Athens, when that happens he tends to get anxious and overplay whatever service he gets.
Currently he is the fittest striker at the club, a trip to Firhill should be the perfect opportunity to find the double to take him onto the 100 goal mark.
After Athens there are still big matches to be played in, Griffiths knows what is expected and demanded- and has a track record of delivering.