Celtic will move on from their Champions League frustration against Borussia Dortmund pretty quickly as they size up the test of travelling to Ross County this Sunday.
From a Hoops perspective, there is nothing else for it but to look ahead to Scottish Premiership action after a difficult evening under the lights at Signal Iduna Park.
Brendan Rodgers has plenty to ponder amid a difficult day at the office. However, the Celtic manager has seen his fair share of scenarios over his time in management, it isn’t something he is unwise to.
Nevertheless, the fixture in Dingwall carries added significance for Celtic, seeing as the international break is on the other side of full-time. Maintaining positive momentum is needed before back-to-back clashes against Aberdeen and Atalanta.
Rodgers has lauded the the Bhoys’ squad depth after a strong summer in the market, so who could be in line for a start this weekend to freshen up the group following their tiring night in Dortmund?
Alex Valle’s potential for a Celtic start after Dortmund cameo
Greg Taylor started in Dortmund despite Rodgers admitting the Celtic man felt calf ‘tightness’ after being withdrawn at half-time against St Johnstone last Saturday.
The Scotland international suffered a similar fate at Signal Iduna Park, with Alex Valle taking the left-back reigns at half time. Although it is hard to give anyone praise following a 7-1 defeat, the Barcelona loanee wasn’t too out of place for someone who has barely broke 30 appearances in senior football.
Celtic fans are already aware of his quality, you only need to look at Valle’s assist for the Bhoys against St Johnstone last weekend to see why hype around his arrival is growing.
With his positional counterpart enduring an energy-sapping half in Germany, the 20-year-old could be an ideal candidate to step in away to Ross County.
Reo Hatate’s Celtic midfield return and Luke McCowan’s role
Reo Hatate has taken some unfair Celtic criticism in recent times, with Hugh Keevins a culprit, but the Japanese midfielder should return to the fold against Ross County.
Paulo Bernardo came in yesterday evening and wasn’t necessarily to blame for the Bhoys coming up against a superior outfit. Still, you get the impression a few will step aside for changes to spice things up in the Highlands.
Another in the bracket of potential starters on Sunday is Luke McCowan, who has made three substitute appearances since arriving at the club from Dundee in the summer, scoring once against Heart of Midlothian.
Likely itching for a full debut, the Greenock-born man wasn’t used in Dortmund during the week and would provide fresh legs in the engine room following a busy period of fixtures.
Before Celtic sanctioned his transfer, McCowan was profiled as a reliable Bhoys squad player who could add strength in depth to the player pool. Post-European matches could be the perfect audition for him to make a genuine claim for a slot in the midfield three, starting with the trip to the Global Energy Stadium.
Hyunjun Yang and Adam Idah’s Celtic attacking threat
Hyunjun Yang made a foray off the bench in Dortmund. Nevertheless, the South Korean winger has been consigned to cold storage this term amid a spurt of brief substitute appearances.
Regardless, there is an opening for the Bhoys to try something different against Ross County, which may see Yang gain a renewed Celtic window of opportunity after registering one goal and three assists in 31 outings last campaign.
After Kyogo Furuhashi’s two starts in a few days, Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah is likely to get a chance to lead the line.
Now up to a tally of four for the season, the Cork-born frontman is settling back into his groove and appears in fine shape to continue where he left off last season.
Recently, Idah has been labelled a ‘pivotal’ Celtic signing by Darren O’Dea, with part of his appeal being the ability to throw him knowing there will be some form of dividends. With preparations underway ahead of Sunday, you would expect another solid display from the powerful striker.
