Neil Lennon only has to justify his selections to his pay-masters on the Celtic board and the hoops support. Only!
The Irishman has a massive responsibility on his shoulders this season but on the back of nine consecutive victories it’s a burden that he seems to be thriving on.
Back in 2009 Tony Mowbray faced a Europa League dead-rubber in Vienna which saw Graham Carey, Willo Flood feature in a match that saw Paul McGowan score a last gasp equaliser after Celtic were 3-0 down to Rapid after just 20 minutes.
Lennon has a very different type of dead rubber to deal with as he shuffles priorities among a 22-man squad that is in top form.
It goes without saying that Celtic owe Lazio absolutely nothing, these type of matches are commonplace in European competitions with Manchester United fielding virtually an u-21 side yesterday against Astana.
In most circumstances Lennon would look to rest some key players away to Cluj. When UEFA start his season in early July and authorise six rounds of international matches before November is out the Celtic boss absolutely must use any chance he gets to rest players- especially when the SPFL schedule five matches between December 15 and 29.
Taking 15 points from those matches would make for a perfect end to an eventful year- to give himself the best possible chance of achieving that Lennon will look to leave the following players out of his Cluj squad.
FRASER FORSTER
Has played in every match bar one since signing on loan from Southampton in August.
Craig Gordon came in for the League Cup tie against Partick Thistle and deserves another outing in Romania. He could be called upon at any moment during December, getting a competitive 90 minutes in is too good to miss out on.
KRIS AJER
Since returning from injury in the middle of November it’s been non-stop for the Norwegian defender who has European Championship play-offs to look forward to in March.
Celtic are short on central defensive options at the moment, keeping Ajer at home is a logical move that won’t leave the player too upset.
CHRIS JULLIEN
A non-internationalist but playing through Christmas will be a new experience for the former Toulouse defender.
Jullien took a month to settle into the Celtic side and is now an essential component. A few days at ‘home’ will put him in the right frame of mind for the closing domestic matches of 2019.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Barely misses a minute never mind a match. Last night Scott Brown, James Forrest and Ryan Christie were substituted, McGregor took the armband and completed another 8 out of 10 performance. A Celtic side without CalMac will take a little getting used to.
JAMES FORREST
With explosive pace a key aspect of his game it is essential that he is as fresh as fresh as possible for the last five domestic matches. Jamesy has been heavily involved in the Scotland squad this season and will make the most of some rare rest time.
RYAN CHRISTIE
Despite his boundless energy and playing with a smile there is a limit to what can be extracted from the attacking midfielder. Christie is in the front line every match, putting himself about and always being available, the trip to Cluj is one that he should miss out on.
ODSONNE EDOUARD
Got a rare break last night as he dealt with a niggle, Celtic and the player should enjoy the benefits of that rest. Last season on December 26 he came on to devastating effect away to Aberdeen but there was nothing left from him as he started on the bench three days later at Ibrox. Lennon won’t want a repeat this year, he knows the massive contribution of his first-choice striker.
With Scott Brown suspended Lennon should be able to field the following side:
CELTIC (2,3,5) Gordon; Bauer, Bitton, Taylor; Morgan, Ntcham, Rogic, Robertson, Sinclair; Griffiths, Johnston