Team News: Ange makes eight changes to face Hearts with 16-year-old on the bench

Ange Postecoglou makes eight changes to the Celtic side that srvived Saturday’s bruising Scottish Cup tie at Alloa. 

Joe Hart, Carl Starfelt and Giorgos Giakoumakis are the only players to start both matches with 16-year-old Ben Doak earning a place on the bench for the second time this season. 

Midfield is the area most effected  by the weekend match with a brand new trio of Nir Bitton, Reo Hatate and debutant Matt O’Riley in the centre of the park. Bitton takes over from Callum McGregor as captain.

Jota makes his first starting appearance since being injured against Hearts on December 2 with James Forrest playing ahead of Liel Abada on the right. 

John Beaton will referee tonight’s match, his first Celtic Premiership fixture although he did take charge of two League Cup ties including the final against Hibs: 

CELTIC: Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; Bitton, Hatate, O’Riley; Forrest, Giakoumakis, Jota 

SUBS: Bain, Jullien, Scales, Abada, Soro, McCarthy, Ralston, Welsh, Doak