Celtic loving pundit names one player that he’d drop for Celtic tie against Valencia

Celtic’s tie with Valencia is going to be an interesting one for a number of reasons. They’re not doing particularly well over in Spain, whilst our recent form has been exemplary – and that offers an interesting prospect. If we were both at our best, you’d expect that the Spanish outfit would be heavy favourites, but now? Not so much.

It will be very interesting to see how Brendan Rodgers lines his team up to face them, as big European nights can demand a different kind of player.

Former Celtic man John Hartson has been discussing that very fact in his column with the Evening Times, and he’s called for a very controversial first team change to be made on Thursday, with a regular starter leaving the starting eleven.

As per the Evening Times, he said: ‘Now, most fans might disagree with me on this first big call, because a lot of supporters I believe would give Scott Bain the nod to start, and I agree that he has been outstanding since he came into the side.‘

He continued: ‘Personally, though, I would lean towards big Craig Gordon, simply because I believe his experience gives him the edge for a game of this magnitude.’

Certainly, Gordon has played in the Europa League in every season since the 2014/15 campaign, and that’s a testament to his level of experience.

Especially on a big European night, nerves can get the best of players, and Gordon’s already proven that he’s up to facing the task of facing a big team.

Of course, Bain hasn’t done anything to suggest that he wouldn’t be able to cope, but his lack of experience is somewhat of a risk, you’ve got to say. That said, if he does well, that could really give him a boost for the rest of the season.

It’s a tough call for Rodgers, but Hartson is seemingly convinced – and he’s always on the side of Celtic.

Thoughts?