As the games are coming in thick and fast for Celtic this month, the Hoops have ten games in four weeks to negotiate in what is going to be a testing time for Ange Postecoglou.
So far, with nine wins and a draw out of the last ten fixtures, the Parkhead side’s form has been electric as they keep the pressure on their rivals at the top of the table AND reach the first major domestic cup final of the year.
But it has been taking a toll on the squad and with quality reinforcements thin on the ground, Postecoglou has given the Celtic fans some good news ahead of Thursday nights Scottish Premiership home tie against Hearts at Celtic Park.
A report in the Irish publication, The Independent, has quotes Postecoglou as saying, “Nir wasn’t right [for Sunday],
“James did well. It’s his first 90 minutes. He’s obviously had disrupted preparation. I’m really pleased he could get 90 minutes under his belt.
“It’s just a matter of games and opportunity and we haven’t had the opportunity to give him that game time.
“I’m sure he will feel better after that. We are going to need him and need all the lads because we have still got 10 games to go before the break, including a cup final. And every game is important.
“It gives us a little more depth in there.
“Tommy Rogic should be back on Thursday. Nir should be fit. We’ve got a lot of games coming up and it’s good we are getting some depth in the midfield area in particular.”
The news that Rogic will be ready for Thursday will be met with joy from the Hoops fans as yesterday’s tie against Aberdeen had shown that the team are missing that vital spark and cutting edge from the middle of the park to break teams down.
Rogic’s absence has been felt and he will be a very welcome return to the team as will Bitton, as he has found a new lease of life as he returns to his more familiar role in the midfield area.