Clement issues Rodgers with warning over his exciting young team

Phil Clement has warned Brendan Rodgers that he will be facing an exciting young team when the Glasgow Derby kicks off at noon today.

Veterans of the fixture such as Connor Goldson, John Lundstram and Borna Barisic have left over the close season with Scott Wright and Todd Cantwell joining the exodus before the transfer window closed.

Two or three debutants for the fixture are expected when the teams are announced at 11.15 with Connor Barron leading the charge for the visitors.

Celtic won four and drew the other match between the two clubs last season but Clement is convinced that he has the players to cause an upset today.

The Daily Record reports the Belgian saying:

We’re an exciting young team who want to challenge that now. I believe we have the quality to do that – and to go for three points on Sunday.

We’ll do that. But we’re not the finished article, which is normal because we’re rebuilding with 16 players leaving. But I know there’s only one truth at the end and that’s what’s happening on the pitch.

Nothing will be determined on Sunday in one game. It’s an exciting challenge for us. And of course, if we can play a really good game and get a good result, we can take a massive step forward as a club.

Despite rumours of a move James Tavernier remains at Ibrox, captaining the side today into his tenth season at the club.

Celtic have dominated the fixture post-lockdown, losing just twice over three seasons in the SPFL with one of them being a dead rubber after the title had been clinched.

Rodgers made three Deadline Day signings but none of them are likely to start today’s match with the hoops likely to name a side very close to last week’s 3-0 win away to St Mirren.

With Aberdeen winning away to Ross County yesterday Celtic go into today’s match in second place, trailing the Dons by three points.