Neil Lennon has a few selection issues ahead of the first derby of the season and one of those will be who to pick at left wing-back now that he has strengthened the position.
Greg Taylor now has serious competition in the shape of Diego Laxalt and Frank Mcavennie, speaking to Football Insider, believes that the Uruguayan will be thrown in at the deep end.
So what has McAvennie said?
When asked about the newest recruit and whether or not the gaffer will pitch him in against Rangers, he said:
“I think the new boy Laxalt will start.
“I think he will come straight in for Greg Taylor because you do not get to Inter and AC Milan if you are not an exceptional player.
“The experience of playing in that derby will stand him in good stead, you can imagine when the San Siro is full.
“His pedigree is there so I would put him straight in and I think he will do well.”
So is McAvennie correct?
At the time of writing, Taylor is in line to start for Scotland against the Czech Republic, with Andy Robertson suspended, whereas Laxalt has been training at Lennoxtown for nearly a week, as Macca says, he has handled a Milan derby in the past, and without the crowd, he should be able to handle this one.
You decide.
Laxalt
Taylor
Laxalt is the more attacking player of the two, however, Taylor is currently outperforming his more adventurous teammate on the opposite flank with four assists so far this season although he doesn’t possess the same dynamic ball carrying ability.
Despite the absentees, Lennon still has a strong squad to pick from and given the running required from his wide men, don’t be surprised if whoever starts is replaced around the hour mark in what is sure to be a frantic 90 minutes.