Brendan Rodgers has made two big calls in the Celtic starting 11 ahead of this afternoon’s match against St Johnstone at Celtic Park.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers returning to training this week after missing last weekend’s 4-2 Scottish Cup victory over Livingston through injury, the USA international has been recalled into the starting 11, replacing the injured Liam Scales.
Kyogo Furuhashi also comes into the starting 11, replacing Adam Idah.
With the Japanese striker netting against David Martindale’s side a week ago and Idah failing to impress while on the pitch, it’s clear to see why Rodgers has opted for Kyogo.
Rodgers has favoured Idah over Kyogo in recent weeks, with the Irish striker starting the last three games.
However, Kyogo will be given the chance this afternoon to continue where he left off against Livingston in an impressive substitute appearance.
📋 Your Celts for today’s #cinchPrem fixture against St Johnstone!
#CELSTJ | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/hcHavbx5g5— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 16, 2024
The rest of the Celtic starting 11 remains unchanged, with Kyogo and Carter-Vickers being the only changes as Rodgers looks to find consistency in his squad week in and week out.
Despite giving away two poor goals last weekend, Rodgers has stuck with the same back four, favouring Stephen Welsh over Gustaf Lagerbielke and Paulo Bernardo over Daniel Kelly.
Kelly has really begun to assert himself in the first-team picture in recent months, with his goal against Dundee last month being a particularly positive moment for the young Scottish midfielder.
Today’s game gives the Hoops the chance to go top of the Scottish Premiership.
With Rangers in action tomorrow against Dundee, the Hoops are currently two points behind and two goals behind on goal difference.
However, a convincing win could see Celtic overtake Rangers’ goal difference as well as their points tally.
