One area of the Celtic team for the match against Lazio that has been overlooked is right-back.
If a People’s Vote was to be carried out Jeremie Frimpong would win by a landslide but since the teenager hasn’t been registered for the Europa League squad that option isn’t open to Neil Lennon. And after playing against Partick Thistle and Ross County, facing Lazio may be a leap too far.
With Frimpong out of contention it comes down to a straight choice between Hatem Abd Elhamed and Moritz Bauer.
Elhamed hasn’t played for Celtic since the Europa League win over Cluj but his fitness should be fine after two outings for Israel in recent weeks. The 28-year-old would seem the logical choice but it’s three weeks on since his last Celtic appearance.
Bauer played away to Hibs and Livingston and although the results weren’t favourable those experiences alongside a lunge from Jordan Jones will give him a crash course in the demands at Celtic.
Whoever plays will have the benefit of James Forrest in front with the winger closing in on his 90th European appearance.
From no right-back options in August it seems that Lennon is now spoiled for choice. The hoops boss is unlikely to be looking in but fans can have their say in the poll below about who they’d prefer to see playing against Lazio.
Who should Neil Lennon play at right-back against Lazio?
Moritz Bauer
Hatem Abd Elhamed
