“Never tinker with a winning team”. Something I feel Lennon should abide by today as Celtic prepare for the visit of Kilmarnock in what is essentially a must win game. Every game from now until May is “must win” and this is the reason why the Celtic boss needs to stick with the side that served him well on Thursday night.
The Europa League match on Thursday had no value to Celtic but to restore some pride. It was labelled a dead rubber, a nothing game. This is 100% true but it meant everything to our French opponents as they were striving to top the group. To achieve that they HAD to win at Celtic Park and for a line up missing the likes of Edouard, Brown, Christie and N’tcham to have served up such a performance and result against a team flying high in Ligue 1 just two points behind PSG, was an incredible achievement.
Those boys that lined up against Lille DESERVE to be in the starting eleven today. Soro was full of drive and energy and how he hasn’t featured until now is quite frankly staggering. Turnbull was at the heart of everything creative and his delivery from the dead ball was pinpoint. Klimala was a work horse. Chased down everything, tracked back and there was a moment in the match where Celtic lost possession from their corner and Lille broke up the park and the young Polish striker sprinted all of 100 yards to help cover his defenders. I cannot remember a point in time any striker this season showing that kind of dedication.
Young Conor Hazard was calm and assured and the fact Lennon chose him above Bain and Barkas for Thursday night speaks volumes to me and I feel he will start. And if he does, then surely that means he will be our ‘keeper for the cup final next week?
Let’s hope today is the kick start of the rest of the season and make moves to recover the deficit at the top of the table.