Ange considers handing out very rare starting place

James McCarthy is in contention to start his fourth Celtic match of the season.

The midfielder has struggled with illness and fitness but came off the bench in the matches against St Johnstone and Bayer Leverkusen.

With Nir Bitton an injury concern for tomorrow’s match against Aberdeen Ange Postecoglou could be ready to pitch McCarthy into his starting XI.

The Glasgow Times reports the Celtic boss saying:

James is getting there. There have been those signs and he is ready for an opportunity now. That may come on Sunday or it may come next week. He is ready for that.

Tom Rogic has been out injured for a month but could be a contender for a place on the bench as Celtic enter a critical phase of the season.

Before the winter break on January 2 Celtic have got 27 SPFL points to play for as well as the opportunity to claim the first domestic trophy of the season.

Celtic’s squad may lack depth but ahead of the January window the hoops boss has no option but to delve in deep to see where his side stands going into 2022.