Neil Lennon won’t allow sentiment to influence his team selection for Sunday’s Scottish Cup Final against Hearts.
After winning against Kilmarnock on Sunday the Celtic boss mentioned the hardcore when he was asked about his selection for the Hampden showpiece.
Scott Brown was an unused substitute in the wins over Lille and Kilmarnock but has won more honours than Hearts have since they were formed in 1873.
It looks like a straight choice between Brown and Ismaila Soro to play alongside Callum McGregor in midfield with Lennon insisting that his decision will be based on playing merit, nothing else.
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Q) Is there space for sentimentality in your team selection this weekend?
A) No, absolutely not. It’s a cup final, a game that we want to win, I’ve got to pick the best team for the occasion, to help us win another trophy.
Central midfield isn’t the only big decision for Lennon to make with Conor Hazard the current goalkeeper with just two first team appearances to his name.
Ryan Christie was suspended against Lille and came on as a substitute against Kilmarnock but faces competition from Jeremie Frimpong to start wide right with Kris Ajer looking certain to play at right-back.