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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Steven Mair

Celtic squad revealed as Nir Bitton doubts pave way for James McCarthy's big chance

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has another potential injury worry to contend with as he prepares to face Aberdeen.

The Parkhead side will be keen to continue a decent run of six wins from seven domestically while looking to also put the hurt of Thursday's late collapse in Leverkusen behind them.

Nir Bitton limped off in the 3-2 Europa League defeat to Bundesliga giants Bayer and it leaves a new hole to fill in the holding midfield position.

Replaced by James McCarthy late on, the Israeli could be sidelined against Stephen Glass' side.

Postecoglou said: “I was a bit disappointed to see Nir come off.

“In terms of how he is going to be, I’m not really sure. We will assess him, but he has been pretty influential for us and did well to help set up our second goal in Germany.”

(SNS Group)

But asked if now is McCarthy's time to shine after a slow start to his Hoops career, the boss added: "I think so. There have been those signs and he is ready for an opportunity now.

“That may come tomorrow or it may come next week. He is ready for that.”

It could be touch and go for Bitton and Tom Rogic could potentially make it back in time but Giorgos Giakoumakis, Carl Starfelt and Christopher Jullien all remain out for Celtic.

The Dons will be without Funso Ojo after his highly controversial red card against Dundee United, with other absences including Calvin Ramsay, Jack McKenzie and Declan Gallagher.

Predicted Celtic line-up

Celtic squad revealed

Vasilis Barkas

Joe Hart

Scott Bain

Liam Scales

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Osaze Urhoghide

Anthony Ralston

Stephen Welsh

Dane Murray

Adam Montgomery

Josip Juranovic

Kyogo Furuhashi

Liel Abada

Ismaila Soro

James McCarthy

Liam Shaw

Callum McGregor

James Forrest

Ewan Henderson

Albian Ajeti

David Turnbull

Jota

Mikey Johnston

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