Neil Lennon is looking for ways to give two key players additional match time.
The 6-0 win over KR Reykjavik was virtually flawless as the goals flew in, the team looked sharp post-Boli Bolingoli and some vital minutes were put in legs.
Olivier Ntcham purred through his 30 minute slot after replacing Scott Brown while Albian Ajeti’s 17 minute outing was the equivalent of three months output at West Ham.
Celtic have just three more matches before the first international break but if they get past Djugarden or Ferencvaros next week they’ll face a Third Round Qualifying tie on September 15/16.
Under Brendan Rodgers and Lennon Celtic have fallen at that stage in each of the last two seasons but having Ntcham and Tom Rogic in top gear could go a long way to ensuring progress this time around.
The Daily Record reports:
The 10 days off didn’t help and we’ve only had two competitive games up until now when a lot of teams have had four or five, so we’re playing a little bit of catch-up.
Whether they are completely there yet? There will be some of the squad like Olivier who has only played 20 minutes here and there. We want to get him more game time as we go along.
Tom Rogic has only had 15 minutes in the last three or four weeks, so there are a couple. It was very good for the likes of Bitton and Elhamed and the rest of them to get 90 minutes.
An ankle injury to Greg Taylor last night was the only knock picked up but the goal-scoring defender is expected to be ready for Tannadice on Saturday.
